A DRUGGED-UP company boss who led police on a high-speed motorway chase from Colne to Manchester was today starting an eight-month jail term.

Akbar Ullah, owner and managing director of Open Mind Marketing Co Ltd, hit a taxi, pulled in front of police so they could not overtake him, swayed from lane to lane and clocked up more than 100 mph, Burnley Crown Court was told.

The defendant, who was on cocaine and temazepam, had no licence and was not insured, went through seven sets of red lights in the centre of Manchester.

When he finally stopped he leapt on the bonnet of a patrol car, tried to run off and put up a violent struggle. It took several officers to restrain him.

Ullah, said to be "jittery" and staring into space, refused to give a sample of blood for analysis but his saliva was DNA tested and was positive for cocaine.

The defendant, 27, of Leeds Road, Nelson, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to provide a specimen, no licence, no insurance and resisting arrest. He was also banned for 12 months and must take an extended retest.

Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said police started following the defendant with blue lights flashing at 1.30am after he went the wrong way down a one way street in Colne.

He hit a taxi on Burnley Road and then went on to the M65 where motorway police took up the chase with lights and sirens.

Miss Kehoe said Ullah went on to the M61, reaching up to 105mph and then on to the 40mph A6 into Manchester at up to 60mph. He went through seven sets of red traffic lights.

Tim Storrie, defending, said Ullah set up his company two years ago. The firm devised marketing strategies for companies who wanted to promote businesses on the internet and Ullah had six people working for him. He had put his hard work, lifestyle and ambitions and their livelihoods in jeopardy.

Mr Storrie went on: "If it weren't for the drugs he would never be before the court today."