A panic-stricken motorist who was over the limit made a futile attempt to flee from police which ended when he crashed.

Matthew Baty, 18, who had been drinking vodka and coke with his pals in Carlisle, was pursued through the city's streets by a police car.

After a pursuit during which he broke speed limits, his escape bid ended in when he collided with a garden wall in Petteril Street.

At the city's magistrates court, Baty, of Walkmill Crescent, Carlisle, admitted driving with excess alcohol and dangerous driving. Magistrates said the case was so serious that he should be sentenced by a judge at Carlisle Crown Court.

Prosecutor Pam Ward said a police car with blue lights and sirens began pursuing Baty's Punto but he failed to stop and sped off towards Lonsdale Street

The chase took in Spencer Street, Chiswick Street, Warwick Road, Warwick Square and Hart Street. He crashed into a garden wall. in Petteril Street.

A breath test showed that he was just over the drink drive limit.

Baty said he knew his driving wasn't safe but he had panicked.

Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports to be prepared in time for a sentencing hearing at the crown court on January 9. In the meantime, he was made subject to an interim driving ban.