A motorist who hit speeds of more than 100mph during a police pursuit was tasered by police as he refused to surrender.

Robert Forsyth admitted charges of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

The 37-year-old, of The Square, Longtown, was yesterday given a 30 month prison term.

PC Jack Stabler, of Cumbria Police’s mobile support group, said: "When a dangerous driver refuses to stop for police and tries to speed away, the potential for someone to be hurt is greatly increased.

"On this occasion, officers were able to use their high level of training to attempt to box him in, deploy a stinger and use tactical contact to be able to bring the pursuit to a conclusion without injury to anyone involved.

At around midnight on 19 January, a BMW was seen speeding along Eden Bridge. Officers followed and used blue lights to request the driver pull over.

Forsyth stopped and waited for the police officer to approach on foot before speeding off.

Officers pursued him through Carlisle, over Denton Holme and towards Dalston, with Forsyth driving at speeds of more than 100mph. Other drivers were forced to take evasive action to avoid the BMW.

In Dalston the BMW, while on a country road untreated by grit, skidded onto a grass verge.

Forsyth still refused to surrender and the car was stopped on two further occasions as officers attempted to block its path.

Officers deployed a stinger to take out the tyres of the vehicle.

However, Forsyth continued to drive at more than 100mph until officers were able to make 'tactical contact', spinning the BMW 180 degrees to force a stop.

Forsyth then climbed over his front seat passenger in an attempt to escape officers.

Police said he was 'aggressive and uncompliant', to the extent officers deployed a taser and incapacitation spray.

After his arrest, Forsyth was searched and a lock knife was found in his possession.

He admitted the lock knife was his own. However, in his police interview, Forsyth refused to answer any questions put to him.