A MOTORIST who drove off after an accident has been convicted in his absence by magistrates.

John Richard Mandsley, aged 48, of Goldfinch Drive, Bury, failed to attend a trial at Rochdale Magistrates Court to answer charges of driving in Edinburgh Way, Rochdale, without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident, failure to report an accident, and driving without a licence or insurance.

He was convicted in his absence, but the case was adjourned until July 29. If Mandsley does not attend then the magistrates made it clear they would issue a warrant for his arrest.