Loss of a tyre in a shower of sparks did not halt the progress of a Ford Orion along the busy Harrogate-Ripon road, a court heard yesterday.

The car continued its route through Killinghall and into Harrogate, cross the town to reach Park House Green before stopping, Harrogate magistrates were told by Peter Scott, prosecuting.

Mr Scott claimed the driver, who had ignored the loss of the front nearside tyre, which went rolling across the road. Was Daniel Thrush.

Thrush, 26, of Topham House, Starbeck, Harrogate, denied a dangerous driving charge and also pleaded not guilty to possession of a knife with the blade locked open in a separate incident.

It was claimed he had got involved in an altercation outside a house where he had banged on the door and the incident had ended with him splitting his head open in a fall.

Thrush pleaded guilty to driving without licence or insurance and denied not have a test certificate and the hearing was adjourned until April 23.