Driver panicked and fled after roundabout smash

Daniel Hodkinson (23) was driving his blue Renault Clio Sport along Casterton Avenue when he swerved off the road and into a metal fence.

The defendant, of Burnley Road, Briercliffe, had been spotted driving past by a police officer just before the late-night smash on February 22nd, Burnley Magistrates’ Court was told.

Tracy Yates (prosecuting) told the court the officer saw the car lose control before she saw males and females – including the driver, Hodgkinson – flee the crashed vehicle.

The defendant later handed himself in to police and said he had “panicked” because he was speeding, the court heard. Hodgkinson sent a letter to the court pleading guilty to failing to stop after an accident and driving without due care and attention.

The case was adjourned for sentence on April 15th.