A DRIVER who crashed into a car and shunted another vehicle into a garden was under the influence of cocaine.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Kevin Anthony Gamble, 22, had been breaking the law for many years, but had now decided to call time on his life of crime and was starting out as a businessman.

Gamble, of Thirlmere Avenue, Padiham, admitted driving while unfit through drugs and five counts of using an uninsured motor vehicle, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and not having a test certificate.

He was conditionally discharged for 12 months, banned from driving for three years and must pay £ 55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to a road accident in Padiham last December.

Gamble, who was driving a pickup vehicle, had hit a parked car, shunting it into another car and pushing it into a garden.

Officers found the defendant was unsteady on his feet and his eyes were bloodshot.

A roadside breath test for alcohol proved negativeand further tests at the police station proved Gamble had no drink in his system.

He was put through a series of tests by the police surgeon, was unable to stand on one leg and was swaying.

A sample of blood was taken and it was later found to contain cocaine.