A DRIVER who crashed into three cars while suffering a ‘psychotic episode’ left his van door on the bonnet of another after it was ripped off with the ferocity of the impact.

Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard how Steven Anthony McDonnell, 22, who also drove on the pavement near a school, was said to have been smashing his way through traffic and almost ploughed into a corner shop, while careering up Briercliffe Road, in the town.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He was detained by another motorist after putting lives at risk and leaving a trail of destruction to the tune of thousands of pounds.

The defendant was to tell officers he was trying to escape from monsters who were chasing him and when he was put in the police van and the fan was put on as it was hot, he screamed that demons were after him.

McDonnell was said to have not taken his medication and to have smoked cannabis before the ‘horrendous’ escapade on May 21. He also got car insurance ‘fraudulently’ on that day by claiming he was a full licence holder when he was a learner.

McDonnell, of Brownhill Avenue, Burnley, was bailed until November 14, after District Judge James Clarke said he wanted more medical details.

He admitted dangerous driving, driving without a licence, possessing cannabis and three counts of failing to stop after an accident. He was given an interim driving ban.

Prosecutor Tracy Yates said about 1.30pm, a witness reported a white van hitting the back of his vehicle. The van reversed, swerved and went on the other side of the road, weaving in and out of traffic. He tried to squeeze between two Volkswagons, crashed into both and drove off without his door.

McDonnell then pulled up and told the motorist: “I have got voices in my head.”

Mrs Yates said when questioned, the defendant said he had started to hallucinate on Briercliffe Road, was seeing monsters and trying to escape.

Nick Dearing, defending, said when detained, McDonnell offered no resistance at all, and said there was evidence he was ill on that day.