A HOTEL manager who hit an oncoming as he drove home from work claimed he had swerved to avoid an animal that ran across the road.

Blackburn magistrates heard Joseph Butterworth failed to stop after the collision but contacted police the following day and reported the incident.

Butterworth, 25, of Kirkdale Close, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident. He was fined £350 with £85 costs and £35 victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with seven penalty points.

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Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said at 10.10 am on a Sunday Simon Harvard was driving on Ribchester Road, Salesbury, when a VW Golf driven by Butterworth came round a bend on the wrong side of the white line and there was a collision.

Damian Pickup, defending, said his client was adamant that an animal had crossed the road in front of him.

"He swerved to avoid it and then looked in his mirror to see if he had hit whatever it was," said Mr Pickup.

"At that point he accepts he crossed the white line and collided with the other vehicle. He regrets that he didn't stop but he did contact the police 24 hours later. If he hadn't it is possible the police would not have been able to trace his vehicle."