AN off-duty bus driver smashed into a parked car while over the limit in the early hours, a court heard.

Burnley Magistrates were told how Darren Holgate, 22, who was almost twice the legal limit and not insured then ran off.

He claimed it was a cold night and there was ice on the road. Holgate paid the price with his licence, but his solicitor said he would not lose his employment as his bosses were going to find him alternative work at the depot.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Holgate could not believe how a "moment of madness" had put him in the position he was in.

Holgate, of Marine Avenue, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol, using an uninsured vehicle and driving without due care and attention. He was banned for 18 months, fined £350 and told to pay £55 costs.

The court was told after the defendant was arrested and taken to the police station, the lower of two tests showed 61 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath -- the legal limit is 35.

Mr Taylor told the court Holgate had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He panicked after the accident, got out of his car and made off but came back after a few minutes.

The defendant then fully co-operated with the police and admitted he was the driver of the vehicle.