A MOTORIST accused of hitting more than twice the 30mph speed limit during a police pursuit in Carlisle has appeared in front of a city court.

Mark McCracken, aged 56, of Ullswater Road, Carlisle, faces two charges arising out of an incident on Saturday, May 25, this year.

One charge alleges that McCracken was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf which was driven dangerously on Moor Park Avenue and Moorhouse Road in the Belle Vue of the city.

A prosecutor alleged that there had been a police pursuit with the court told that speeds of around 70mph in a 30mph area had were involved.

A second charge alleges that McCracken failed to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

McCracken appeared in front of a district judge at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon.

His solicitor told the judge that no indication of plea was being given at this stage of the proceedings to the dangerous driving allegation. That charge was sent — along with the second 'fail to provide' allegation — to Carlisle Crown Court.

McCracken is due to appear there for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 29, and in the meantime has been granted unconditional bail.