A LEARNER driver butted a police officer's car following a high speed late night chase from Skipton, magistrates were told.

Arran Wright, 18, who was driving a Peugeot 206, avoided attempts by police to force him to stop at the Gargrave Road roundabout, veering off on the A59 towards Broughton.

After driving erratically and at excessive speed, with the police car at times next to him, he was forced to stop in a layby close to Broughton Hall.

Once out of the car, he became abusive, butting the roof of the police car, denting it and causing damage, the court heard.

He proved positive for cannabis at the roadside and was taken to the police station where he refused to provide a specimen for analysis.

Wright, of Garden Terrace, West Road, Carleton, admitted failing to stop for a police officer on January 16, and also driving without a licence, without insurance and without an MOT certificate.

He further admitted criminal damage to the police car and failing to provide a specimen for analysis at the police station.

Wright was on bail at the time for other matters at the crown court.

In mitigation, Andrew Tinning, said Wright had mental health issues and tended to become upset if restrained.

Skipton magistrates adjourned sentencing to March 4 for pre-sentence reports and imposed an interim driving ban.