A VAN driver involved in a fatal accident in which a motorcyclist died has been haunted by what happened, a court has heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told that Carl Andrew Booth "simply failed to see" the bike as he pulled out of Chapel Lane across the A59 at Langho in August.

And David Farley, defending, said the tragic consequences of his client's mistake had haunted him ever since.

"The sentencing options available to you today have been the subject of considerable public concern but it is clear they can never address the true gravity of the situation for the deceased man's family," said Mr Farley.

Booth, 32, of Home Terrace, Nelson, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. He was fined £350 with £65 costs and his licence endorsed with six penalty points.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said Alan Wilson, from Kendal, and his friend David Little had been out riding their motorbikes for three hours when they picked up the A59 at Clitheroe and headed towards the M6.

Mr Little said Mr Wilson was in front and they were doing about 60 mph as they approached the junction with Chapel Lane. He saw the white van pull out directly in front of his friend who collided with the front passenger wing and was sent flying across the road.

At the scene of the crash Booth, a care worker with Burnley Primary Care Trust, said to Mr Little: "I never saw him."