A MOTORIST left the scene after knocking over a female pedestrian.

Blackburn magistrates heard Chris McNamara stopped and asked the woman if she was alright but then got back in his car and drove off without leaving his details.

McNamara, 38, of Bedford Close, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and failing to stop after an accident.

He was made subject to a community order for six months with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £129 with £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge.

He was also banned from driving for 20 months.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police responded to a report of a road traffic collision in Blackburn Road, Accrington, on January 23.

Witnesses said the driver of the Peugeot 207, who appeared to be intoxicated, had stopped and spoken to the pedestrian and then left the scene. He was arrested at his home address.

“The victim said she was crossing the road to get to her car when she was hit by McNamara’s vehicle,” said Mrs Yates. “She fell onto the bonnet and then backwards onto the floor.”

When he was interviewed McNamara said he had asked the woman if she was OK. He said he would have remained if she had been injured.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had gone to the pub after work and had more than he intended.

“He did stop after the accident but now knows he should have remained at the scene,” said Mr Prew.