A JUDGE told an uninsured and banned driver who led police on a high speed pursuit along a narrow Lake District road she was "horrified" by his "appalling" driving.

Details of Luke David Stoker's criminal conduct were outlined at Carlisle Crown Court by prosecutor Stuart Pattinson, who also played dash-cam footage.

The incident began when an officer saw Stoker, 21, in a Ford Focus in a line of oncoming cars, on May 16, and realised he was a banned driver.

The officer turned and gave chase, reaching 70mph in a bid to catch up on the A592 between Kirkstone Pass and Troutbeck.

Stoker was seen to overtake a slower moving vehicle on the approach to a "blind bend".

"It is a single carriageway road with one lane on either side," said Mr Pattinson. "Relatively narrow and numerous bends with dry stone walls on either side."

Stoker was seen travelling at 70mph in a 30mph zone, the court heard.

The police vehicle then reached 85mph before he gave himself up, and pulled over.

In interview, Stoker described his driving as "idiotic" and "far beyond reckless".

Despite being banned from driving earlier this year, Stoker told the court he bought the vehicle with a loan.

He had since given it to his girlfriend, who held lawful use of it.

Judge Barbara Forrester said to Stoker, who admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, no insurance and failing to stop for a PC: "Tell me why I shouldn't send you to prison today."

From the dock, he replied: "I don't know. I am just really sorry for what I did. I should never have done it. That's why I pulled over - I knew I had done wrong."

Judge Forrester adjourned the case to obtain more information about Stoker's driving record, his own background and the history of the car.

She will pass sentence on July 27, and granted bail to Stoker, of Windermere Road, Kendal, until then.

"Your driving that day was appalling," said Judge Forrester, who spoke of being "horrified" by the footage.

"I am not promising I won't send you to prison. It is part of your job now to persuade me not to.

"I have a responsibility to society to keep people like you off the road."