A TEENAGE driver who set off with police in pursuit after officers tried to stop him, overtook on the wrong side of the road and then tried to hide.

Burnley Magistrates heard how student Waqas Ali Ashraf, 18, didn't want his family to know he was driving without documents -- but ended up being charged with dangerous driving as well after the chase through Nelson.

He was then held in custody for the first time in his life and had been traumatised by being at the police station and in court.

Ashraf of Swaine Street, Nelson, admitted dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, not having insurance and using a vehicle without a test certificate.

He was given 12 months community rehabilitation, 50 hours community punishment, banned from driving for a year and must take an extended driving test.

John Rusius, defending, said Ashraf accepted he knew the police car was behind him, panicked and carried on driving.

The last thing he wanted was for his family to know he was driving without documents and he did not want to let them down, but carrying on was counter-productive.