A DRUG driver who led police on a late-night chase along residential streets in Kendal has been handed a suspended prison term.

Daniel Liam Taylor, 23, ignored blue lights and sirens as he reached 50mph on 30mph roads lined with parked cars in darkness on March 26.

After Taylor became trapped in a cul-de-sac, he abandoned his Vauxhall Corsa and fled on foot, only to be caught by officers a short time later.

Carlisle Crown Court was told that he then "spectacularly" failed a drug impairment test, and was noted to be unsteady on his feet with slurred speech and glazed eyes.

Taylor pleaded guilty to six charges, including dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drugs and the possession of both cannabis and amphetamine.

He was sentenced today by Recorder Kevin Grice, who heard there had been a marked recent improvement in Taylor's behaviour.

As a result, the judge suspended a 10-month prison sentence for 18 months.

Taylor, of Broad Ing, Kendal, must complete 180 hours' unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

In addition, he was banned from driving for two years, and told he must then pass an extended re-test.