A COURT has heard how a young driver led police on a night-time chase.

Nathan Irving, 19, ignored blue lights and travelled above the speed limit as he attempted to give officers the slip in and around Egremont.

Irving drove down a dirt track and then abandoned his Vauxhall Corsa on February 13, but was found lying on the ground in darkness near the vehicle.

Having admitted dangerous driving and using his car without a licence or insurance the teenager was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today.

Irving, of Brisco Mount, Egremont, was ordered to complete 100 hours' unpaid work and observe an eight-week nightly curfew.

In addition he was given a 12-month driving ban and must pass an extended test before obtaining his licence.