A YOUNG motorist led police on a high-speed chase through the streets of Burnley in a stolen car, a court heard.

Unlicensed driver David Moore, 20, took his girlfriend’s Citroen Saxo from her home in Scarlett Street without asking.

During the police chase, Moore:

  • Wheelspun the car at the junction of Lowerhouse Lane and Liverpool Road.
  • Weaved in and out of traffic along Rossendale Road.
  • Almost lost control of the car turning into Harold Avenue.
  • Drove at 50mph along residential roads.
  • Mounted the pavement in Hargher Street.
  • Bill Maude, prosecuting, said Moore also ignored traffic-calming measures, including speed bumps and chicanes.

The Saxo not only cut across the path of an oncoming car, in the Cog Lane area, but was seen to mount the pavement more than once.

Eventually, the two officers in the pursuing police car managed to draw alongside Moore’s vehicle, in Hargher Street, and the vehicle slowed to walking pace before the junction with Accrington Road.

Moore finally stopped the car and handed the key to a police officer, who had pulled up alongside the driver’s window.

Arrested by officers, he said: “I am sorry, I don’t have a licence and I am stupid.”

Mr Maude said there had been a number of adult and child pedestrians who had been placed in jeopardy by Moore’s driving.

Interviewed by police later, he admitted: “I could have killed somebody” and confessed he only had a provisional driving licence.

Lee Hammond, defending, said his client regretted his actions and had admitted his involvement almost immediately.

Moore, of Westmorland Street, Burnley, admitted aggravated vehicle taking and having no insurance or licence.

He was committed on bail for sentence to Burnley Crown Court on August 27.

The magistrates chairman told him: “You were lucky nobody was hurt or killed.”