RECOVERY lorry driver Anthony Haddock flew into a rage after his vehicle was pelted with rotten fruit thrown from another vehicle, a court was told.

A terrifying and protracted race followed between the two drivers.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Haddock, who was working for the Green Flag recovery service, chased the other vehicle for more than 20 miles, with both drivers trying to run each other off the road.

They raced side by side through Darwen town centre, ignoring red lights and forcing other vehicles to take action to avoid a collision.

The court heard that the vehicles reached speeds in excess of 60mph as they careered down the A666 before joining the M65 where vehicles were forced on to the hard shoulder.

Haddock, aged 39, of Aldercroft Avenue, Top o'th' Brow, Bolton pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. He was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order and ordered to do 80 hours' community punishment.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said an off-duty policeman travelling towards Darwen from Bolton first became aware of a black Mercedes van as it approached from behind him at speed.

The van overtook the officer, almost colliding with two cars turning into a petrol station, and seconds later a Green Flag lorry also sped past.

"Debris was bouncing between the two vehicles and other motorists were having to use the hard shoulder to avoid what was going on in front," said Ms Worsley.

Eventually, both vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder. As the police sergeant passed, he saw Haddock get out of his lorry carrying what appeared to be an iron bar.

Ms Worsley added: "The officer describes what he witnessed as an extremely dangerous piece of driving and both drivers showed a complete disregard for other road users. He says it was only through sheer luck that no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of their driving." Alan Whittaker, defending, said Haddock had finished his shift as a recovery mechanic and had been going home when the van cut him up and the passenger began gesticulating. Rotten fruit was thrown and the chase began.

Mr Whittaker said Haddock had been working up to 60 hours a week. There was further stress because his 11-month-old daughter had been in hospital where she had spent half of her short life.

Mr Whittaker said Haddock had lost his job with Green Flag.