A MAN was pursued by police in a high-speed, cannabis-fuelled car chase before crashing into a tree.

Leon Caton, 24, admitted to dangerous driving, driving without a licence and while unfit to drive due to drugs following the collision in the early hours of March 30.

Prosecutor Jonathan Stone told Oxford Crown Court that Caton, of Harlequin Way in Banbury, was found to have 4.7 micrograms of THC, the mind-altering ingredient found in cannabis, in his blood - twice the 'safe' limit for driving.

In a written testimony read out to the court on Friday PC Keith Rayner recalled chasing Mr Caton's car at speeds of up to 120mph through North and West Oxfordshire villages.

He first spotted Mr Caton's newly-bought vehicle, a red VW Golf, travelling 'very quickly' south from Deddington on the A4260.

The car then went the wrong way around Kidlington roundabout before turning right onto the A44, still failing to slow down despite the police car's blue light and sirens.

Towards Chipping Norton PC Rayner caught up with the car, which had crashed into a tree.

Caton subsequently admitted he was the driver, with his passengers telling police: "We told him to stop, but he wouldn't."

Mr Stone said Caton already had 19 convictions for 24 offences.

Defence barrister Grant Vanstone said Caton had suffered a brain injury, the extent of which is still unknown, in February 2012 after being involved in a car accident.

He said the injury and subsequent mental health issues could have contributed to Caton's erratic behaviour, saying: "He accepts he is to blame but he's beginning to realise there is an explanation."

Recorder Anna Laney deferred sentencing until November 4 while further medical evidence is gathered in support of the claim.

Caton has been ordered to stay at his mother's home in Banbury with a curfew and an electronic tag.