A motorist who hit a parked van and made off was spared a driving ban at Burnley Magistrates Court.

The bench was told how James Smith, 21, was spotted by a witness, who took his registration number and passed it on to police.Smith, now a car valeter, had been insured under his then boss's trader's policy, but had since been fired and could not prove it.

Smith, of Waterloo Road, Kelbrook, admitted failing to stop after an accident, no insurance and failing to report an accident. He was fined £200 with a £15 victim surcharge, £50 costs and had six points put on his licence.

The court was told when the defendant was arrested, he claimed he had been overtaking, the vehicle veered out and he hit the parked van. A passenger in his vehicle was injured but would not make a police statement. Smith had no previous convictions.

Jeremy Frain, defending, said Smtih was dismissed from his then employment after the incident. He now had a new job and if he was banned he would lose it.