A SOLDIER who smashed a car into a lamp post told police he lost control while lighting a cigarette.

Burnley Magistrates heard how signalman Mohammed Usman, 19, panicked and he and the car owner ran into the field to think what to do.

Usman, of St Mary's Street, Nelson, admitted failing to stop and give his name and address after an accident, failing to report an accident and using an uninsured vehicle.

The defendant, currently stationed in Germany, was fined £200, with £175 compensation and £55 costs.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, said that shortly after 10pm police were called to an accident on Burnley Road, Cliviger.

They had received information of two males running away and found an extensively damaged car with no lights on and a damaged lamp post.

The officers could not find anybody in the field but Usman and another man were found by a dog handler. He said he had lit a cigarette when driving and lost control. He claimed a passerby suggested they run away and he panicked and did not think to call the police.

John Rusius, defending, said Usman must have panicked because he was in a state of shock. There was no logic going through his mind as to what he should or should not be doing.

The defendant had ended up in police custody for about 20 hours. All he could do was apologise.

Mr Rusius added that Usman would be likely to get a note of displeasure in his record which would not help him in his future career.

He was also facing an enforced change in units.