A MAN has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a takeaway worker in East Lancashire by dangerous driving and seriously injuring another passenger.

Mohammed Islam, 25, appeared in the dock at Burnley Crown Court this morning where he admitted causing the death of Yasir Khan, 23, in a crash on Colne Road, in Burnley, in the early hours of September 29 last year.

His Mazda 6 car was alleged at the time to have been involved in a police pursuit, a short time before the incident, close to the junction of Jackson Street, Duke Bar.

Islam also admitted causing serious injury to Sajjad Bhatti, in the same incident and causing death by dangerous driving in an uninsured vehicle.

Dressed in a suit, Islam spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, his British Bangladeshi nationality, and to enter his guilty pleas.

He previously gave his address as Burns Street, Burnley, but was last said to be living care of the Paanshee Restaurant, in Bastion Road, Prestatyn, near Rhyl.

Mr Khan, a former student at Sir John Thursby Community College in Burnley, who was a front-seat passenger in the Mazda, suffered fatal injuries.

Mr Bhatti, a rear seat passenger, said to be aged 26, suffered back and leg injuries, which required treatment at the Royal Preston Hospital, and Islam suffered minor injuries.

Judge Sara Dodd opted against proceeding to sentence after hearing from defence barrister Mohammed Qazi that Islam faces a trial on an unrelated matter at Preston Crown Court in November.

Prosecuting, Stephen Parker said no victim personal statements had been prepared and he was also keen for Mr Khan's family to attend on the sentencing hearing if they so wished.

Mr Qazi said there would be no basis of plea and any issues in relation to facts in the case would be heard in mitigation. He also said his client was under no illusion on the likely outcome in the case.

Denying Islam an extension of his unconditional bail said: "You have pleaded guilty to very grave matters. I know you understand that. I am not going to deal with you today because of the matters you have heard discussed. Not least the fact you are due for trial for very serious matters in Preston on November 4. You are remanded into custody until then."