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 gave his registration number 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, having 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.

Smith claimed he had been overtaking, the vehicle veered out, and he hit the parked van. A passenger in his vehicle was injured. Jeremy Frain, defending, said Smith was dismissed from his then employment after the incident. He now had a new job and would lose it if he was banned.