A MAN who led police on a late night pursuit up and down the notorious Kirkstone Pass is facing prison for poor driving that a judge branded "astonishingly dangerous".

Bernard Joseph Ward, 26, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday [Monday].

He admitted a dangerous driving charge which arises out of a pursuit which unfolded between Penrith and Kendal overnight between June 12 and 13.

His route included the A592 and A591 and was said to have ended at Windermere Road in Kendal.

Judge Peter Davies noted that Ward was guilty of "driving at high speeds, over a period of 13 miles, though red lights, without headlights, over Kirkstone Pass at night".

Kirkstone Pass is said to be the highest Lakes pass open to motor traffic.

There was also an allegation that Ward had killed a sheep during the journey.

However, Mr Greg Hoare, defending, said this element was not accepted "due to a lack of damage on his car".

But Mr Hoare conceded: "He appreciates that, notwithstanding, this is a serious matter and he may well be facing a custodial sentence."

Ward was said to be a married father-of-two who was living in Penrith with his wife at the time of the offence.

However, it was believed a passenger in the car - fearing the attention of police - had panicked and told Ward "let's drive", Mr Hoare told the court.

"It may well be that left to his (Ward's) own devices the situation would never have arisen," Mr Hoare added.

Judge Davies agreed to adjourn the case until next Monday, when Ward, now of Gas Street, Platt Bridge, Wigan, will be sentenced.

"I am going to bail you but don't expect that when we meet again, as we will next Monday, you will be getting a suspended sentence," said the judge.

"It will be some exceptional mitigation that means you are not going to prison. This is an exceptionally dangerous piece of driving.

"You must expect a custodial sentence for that astonishingly dangerous driving."

Ward was also handed an interim driving ban.