A TEENAGER who led police on a dangerous 30 minute pursuit through Bolton while has was on bail for driving offences has been locked up for a year.

Andrew Carr, aged 17, will spend Christmas in a detention centre after a court heard how he was caught drink-driving twice in the space of 10 days.

Carr -- who by law is not old enough to drink and has never held a valid driving licence -- was already facing a series of driving charges and had been

disqualified twice before, Bolton Magistrates Court heard. They granted an application by the Bolton Evening News for reporting restrictions to be lifted enabling Carr to be identified as a matter of public interest.

And today, police chiefs said the case sent out a warning to anyone tempted to drive while over the limit, regardless of their age. Chief Supt Don Brown, Bolton's divisional commander, said: "This is a strong signal to drink-drivers. It also proves the criminal justice system in Bolton is committed to protecting the public from people like Andrew Carr."

The police chief added: "He showed no regard for life or limb and drove recklessly at speed."

Carr, of Weaste Avenue, Little Hulton, was arrested driving a four-wheel drive Subaru in Holmeswood Drive, Great Lever last July. He denied charges of driving while disqualified and driving without a licence but was found guilty after a trial. However, while on bail awaiting sentence, Carr was caught in a car two more times, the court heard.

Joanna White, prosecuting, said that Carr was arrested on Friday December 6 driving an Austin Metro in York Street, Farnworth.

Miss White said he gave police a false name before a breath test proved positive.

Carr then faced a series of new charges, including obstructing a police officer and drink-driving, before the case was adjourned and he was bailed.

But he was caught again at midnight last Monday in a Peugeot 205 in Plodder Lane, Farnworth. The court heard a police-dog patrol spotted him and the force helicopter was scrambled. A high-speed pursuit followed during which the Peugeot collided twice with the police car, the court heard.

Miss White added: "The police pursuit lasted 30 minutes through Great Lever, Farnworth and Little Hulton. Speeds of up to 60 mph were involved.

"After colliding with the police car he abandoned the vehicle and ran off."

Carr was caught by the police dog patrol-- the first arrest by Bolton Police's new squad, the court was told. He pleaded guilty to both new charges at Bolton Magistrates Court yesterday. Michael Jones, defending, said: "Hopefully he has learnt his lesson."

Chairman of the bench Frank Woods said: "We are lifting the order because we feel these offences are very serious." Carr had been banned from driving for two years in April 2000 and for two years in February, 2001, the court heard. He was sentenced to a detention and training order for 12 months and further banned from driving for five years.