A DRIVER who smashed into a man's car offered to pay for the damage but then ran into his house and locked the door.

Burnley Magistrates heard how builder Gareth Adrian Conway, 22, who told the victim he had had four pints, had apologised and asked him not to ring the police.

He later failed to prvide a breath test for the police, even though he was given five chances.

Conway, of Copperfield Close, Worsthorne, admitted failing to provide a specimen.

He was fined £350, with £150 costs and banned from driving for 12 months.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, said the car owner was at home watching television when he heard a crash and an engine revving.

He looked out and saw the brake lights of a car disappearing round the corner.

The owner went outside, saw his car was damaged and a headlight lens not from his vehicle was in the road.

He walked round the corner and saw a man and a woman looking at a car, which was damaged.

The man, who smelled of drink, said he was sorry and asked the aggrieved not to call the police.

He ran into his house and locked the door but the woman remained and gave the defendant's details.

Miss Shahzada said Conway told police the back of the vehicle had just swung out. He was asked to provide a breath test, gave a positive specimen and was arrested and taken to the police station.

He was unsteady on his feet but agreed to provide two specimens of breath. Conway gave one sample but failed to give a second test, despite being repeatedly told to blow harder and being given five chances. He had no previous convictions.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Conway was a hard-working young man and it was with great shame he found himself in the predicament he was in.

He was a self-employed builder and would probably now have to go back to being an employee.

He was hoping a local construction firm would be able to offer him work and transport.

Conway had learned a very hard lesson and had not only let himself down but also his girlfriend and his family.

He had been hoping to move abroad with his girlfriend and start building work there.