Learner driver fled from police

Joe Mahoney was then chased along the resort’s Tudor Place and caught by officers after a chase.

Mahoney, a 22-year-old former shop worker, of Wellogate Gardens, South Shore, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and driving without insurance and not in accordance with his provisional licence.

He was banned from the road for four months and fined £80 with £85 costs plus £30 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.

Martine Connah, prosecuting, said police stopped Mahoney as he drove a Seat Ibiza on Tudor Place on August 7 about 5am. He was put in the rear of a police vehicle and an officer opened the door to handcuff him.

Mahoney pushing him out of the way and fled.

Brett Chappell, defending, said his client panicked as his partner was pregnant and he thought he would be sent to prison. Mahoney had taken the decision to drive a friend home.