A DRUNKEN driver who was seen fleeing a crash scene has been banned from the roads for 16 months.

Jason Kennedy, 24, of Wisteria Drive, Lower Darwen, was also fined £350, with £50 costs, by Blackburn magistrates after pleading guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

The court heard that police called to a car crash in Roman Road saw a number of males running away.

Kennedy was seen to throw a set of car keys into a hedge but, when caught, admitted being the driver and that he had drunk four pints of lager.

Kennedy, who gave a reading of 59 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink-drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Steven Rees, defending, said his client had not driven to the pub but had gone home to collect his car after a row with his girlfriend.