A MOTORIST who crashed into a railway level crossing left his car on the tracks after his wife stormed off.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ryan Christopher McDermott also left the scene but returned six minutes later when the signalman was able to lift the barriers, and McDermott drove off.

McDermott, 26, of Branch Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and failing to stop after an accident. He was fined £300 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points which led to a six-month driving ban under the totting-up procedure.

Tara Riley, prosecuting, said the railway employee at the Towneley level crossing on Moseley Road, Burnley, had activated the warning lights and the barriers to come down.

“After he had activated the equipment he heard a crashing sound and looked round to see a car on the crossing which had collided with the barrier,” said Miss Riley.

“A female got out of the car and walked away and the driver asked him to open the gates. The employee said he had to get authorisation and the police were on the way.”

Miss Riley said McDermott also left the scene but he returned shortly after at which point the barrier was lifted and he drove off. The police went to his address later that day and he admitted being the driver.

Miss Riley said the damage caused was estimated at £12,500.

“They also had to stop all services because the car was stuck on the tracks,” she added.

Daniel Frazer, defending, said the road leading to the crossing was narrow and there were often cars parked on either side.

“It is a short distance from seeing the lights to getting to the crossing but my client concedes it was a momentary lapse of concentration,” said Mr Frazer. “He saw the lights, put the brakes on and the car skidded. He tried to stop but crashed into the barrier.”

Mr Frazer said his client wasn’t driving erratically or at speed.