A HEROIN addict refused to give a blood sample after police saw him driving erratically and at high speed.

Blackburn magistrates heard Peter Michael Ashcroft was also a disqualified driver but he did not know about the ban which had been imposed in his absence.

Ashcroft, 51, of Glenfield Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge. He was banned from driving for four years.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police saw a car being driven along Barbara Castle Way at high speed.

The officer said he was doing 60mph and not gaining on the car as it raced off towards Little Harwood.

The officer eventually caught up as the car turned onto Glenfield Drive and then stopped on the defendant's drive.

Ashcroft provided a negative road side alcohol breath test but was arrested on suspicion of drug driving as a result of his appearance and demeanour. At the police station he refused to give a blood sample.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said his client was a heroin addict which cause its own problems.

"What is clear is that he was banned in his absence and he was not aware he was disqualified," said Mr Nightingale.