A MAN who was involved in a police pursuit in Barrow abandoned his car with drugs in the glovebox.

Furness Magistrates' Court was told that David Ross Watson, 26, failed to pull his car over for police, then drove off at speed being pursued by officers.

Prosecutor, Mr Lee Dacre, told the court that police believed Watson was travelling in excess of 45mph on Ironworks Road, Barrow, a road with a 30mph limit. Police put their blue lights and siren on telling Watson to pull over, but he accelerated away with police following along Park Road and into Ormsgill.

Mr Dacre said: "The vehicle was overtaking at 60mph on the 30mph section and 75mph on the 40mph section. The driver and the passengers fled the vehicle. It was abandoned in Bradford Street."

The court heard that cannabis was found in the glovebox and fingerprints taken from the car were Watson's.

Watson pleaded guilty to failing to stop his car for police, driving without insurance and driving not accordance with his licence. He also admitted possessing a quantity of cannabis.

Watson was driving with a provisional licence, he was in the car with someone with a full driving licence, but his vehicle was not displaying 'L' plates, which is an offence.

Defending Watson, Miss Amy Watkin, said: "There has been a suggestion of speeds by police, but these were not verified speeds.

"He understands that he should have stopped the car, but he panicked and drove off.

"He is remorseful."

Miss Watkin said Watson has mental health issues which could have impacted his decision making. She said the cannabis was for Watson's personal use.

Watson, of Millbank, Barrow, was fined £120 for having no insurance, £80 for failing to stop, £50 for the drugs possession and there was no separate penalty for the licence offence. He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs, a £30 victim surcharge and was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months.