AN 18 year old learner driver from Carleton headbutted a police officer's car following a high speed, late night chase from Skipton, heard magistrates.

Arran Wright, 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 his Peugeot, he became abusive, headbutting 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, 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 of under £5,000 and failing to provide a specimen for analysis at the police station.

When later interviewed, Wright, who was on bail at the time for other matters at the crown court, admitted trying to get away from the police.

He had just bought the car and was driving it back to Skipton when he was asked to stop by police. He admitted putting his foot down in an attempt to get away and that he had smoked cannabis earlier in the day.

In mitigation, Andrew Tinning, said Wright had mental health issues and tended to become upset if restrained. He pointed out Wright had been calm and compliant later, but could not explain why he refused to provide a sample.

"He is an 18 year old who has documented mental health issues which may have led to him not understanding why it was he did not give a blood sample," said Mr Tinning.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing on the new matters for reports to March 4 and imposed an interim driving ban.