A LEARNER driver who crashed into a pedestrian at night panicked and drove off.

Blackburn magistrates heard Amar Iqbal was concerned because the incident happened outside a pub and there were a lot of people on the street.

But he said he saw the man get up before driving home.

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Iqbal, 25, of Westwood Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident which resulted in injury to Steve Tomlinson and driving other than in accordance with a licence.

He was fined £185 with £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Tracey Yates, prosecuting, said Iqbal was a provisional licence holder and was not accompanied by a qualified driver as he drove along Blackburn Road in Accrington at 11.30pm.

Mr Tomlinson was crossing the road when he was struck by Iqbal’s car and fell to the floor. Imran Hussain, defending, said Iqbal had made the foolish decision to go for a takeaway in the car despite not being accompanied by a driver.

“He says the complainant was wearing dark clothing and stepped out into the road and caught his wing mirror,” said Mr Hussain.

“When he looked back the male was stood up. There was a large group of males outside a nearby pub and my client was worried.”