A 25-YEAR-OLD motorist who raced off when police tried to speak to him crashed into a Mercedes when he failed to give way at a junction.

Blackburn magistrates heard Valeen Barkat crashed into a wall after causing extensive damage to the car.

Barkat, of Claret Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence and possession of cannabis.

He was fined £240 with £85 costs and £83 victim surcharge and banned from driving for two years.

Adrian Hollamby, prosecuting, said the police had parked next to the car driven by Barkat and one of the officers got out to speak to him.

"At that point he drove off at speed," said Mr Hollamby. "The officer got back in the car and seconds later they heard the sound of a crash and found Barkat had collided with the Mercedes in Ormerod Street."

He said the Mercedes, which was worth £12,000, was badly damaged.

Imran Hussain, defending, said Barkat had foolishly got behind the wheel when a friend asked for lift home because it was raining heavily.

"He knew he was not insured and panicked," said Mr Hussain.