A MAN who ran off after crashing his car admitted what had happened when he was approached by two police officers on a petrol station forecourt.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officers were actually in the area investigating another matter but took time out to arrest David Barnes.

Barnes, 40, of Malt Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £500 with £85 costs and £50 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 20 months. Barnes gave a reading of 76 against the legal limit of 35.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said a witness travelling on the A56 near Haslingden came across an Audi in the inside lane of the dual carriageway with heavy front end damage.

The driver got out of the car and stumbled towards the witness.

“He then suddenly ran off up an embankment and the police were called,” said Miss Allan.

Hojol Uddin, defending, said Barnes had a row with his wife and she had left. He then made the poor decision to get into his car and drive.

“The police who saw him on the forecourt were actually dealing another incident until he told them what he had done,” said Mr Uddin.