A BOY racer drove at up to 80mph as he sped around the streets in the early hours of the morning.

Michael Haldon was spotted and followed by a police officer in an unmarked car who said his driving was so dangerous he would not have been able to stop to avoid an accident.

The 22-year-old apprentice steelworker admitted driving without due care and attention on July 20 in a Ford Fiesta.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Kelly told Furness Magistrates' Court: "It was about 1am and Sergeant Chris Bethell was overtaken by a car on Schneider Road, as was the vehicle behind him. The car then accelerated even more as it got to the roundabout with Ainslie Street and was doing about 45mph. When it stopped at the traffic lights its wheels were spinning.

"It then turned into Abbey Road without indicating and went up Abbey Road at about 60mph which increased to about 80mph after he passed the Shell garage.

"He turned left into Dalton Lane and then into Skelwith Drive where he was stopped by police and arrested for dangerous driving. He said to police 'yeah, I was reckless like.' He contested his speed went over 60mph.

Representing himself Haldon said he agreed with the prosecution's version of events.

When he was asked if he had anything to say the defendant replied: "No, not really. It was out of character for me. I was going through a bit of a bad time.

"I haven't driven like that since. I just don't know what was going through my head that night."

He was fined £215 and told to pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge. He also had seven penalty points put on his licence.