A TAXI driver drove off after crashing his mini-bus into another vehicle, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that while police were still at the scene, Daniel Shaun Davidson went to the police station and reported his vehicle stolen.

But almost immediately he dropped the deception and admitted what he had done.

Davidson, 25, of Gordon Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident and driving without due care and attention.

He was fined £400 with £65 costs and his licence endorsed with eight penalty points which will allow him to keep his licence.

John Wood, prosecuting, said a man driving up Bolton Road in Darwen saw a white mini-bus pull out and swerved on to the kerb in an attempt to avoid a collision but the taxi hit the side of his car.

"The mini-bus reversed away and then left the scene but did leave behind a substantial clue," said Mr Wood.

"The bumper had fallen of the mini-bus with the number plate attached."

Liz Parker, defending, said Davidson had misled the officer at first but almost in the same sentence accepted what he had done.

She said Davidson was self-employed, working for Chippy's Taxis in Darwen.