A FORMER businessman who smashed into a car tried to cover up his tracks to avoid the police and having to own up to his insurers.

Burnley magistrates heard how former police interpreter Mohammed Abbas, 47, was haunted by the memories of how he had lost everything after an earlier conviction for drink driving.

He panicked, walked into Nelson police station and claimed a Vauxhall Nova had hit him and driven off.

The public inquiry officer he reported the fictitious accident to later finished work and found her car parked nearby -- a Vauxhall Nova -- had been struck. Abbas' number plate had dropped off on impact and inquiries led police to his home.

Abbas, a father of three, fought back tears as he told the bench: "I have done so much for this country and have had nothing but heartbreak."

The defendant, of Chapelhouse Road, Nelson, admitted obstructing a police officer, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop and failing to give his name and address.

He was bailed until February 10, for a pre-sentence report and was given unconditional bail.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said the defendant told the public inquiry officer an H reg Nova had hit him and not stopped. He was agitated, said he was a diabetic and felt stressed and was advised an officer would contact him later.

An hour and a half later, he again contacted the police and said he wanted to speak to an officer sooner rather than later

The inquiry officer finished work and returned to her H reg Nova to find it damaged and a number plate on the ground.

Mr Potter said the defendant was later invited to go to the police station and said he had made up the story to avoid prosecution and to claim from his insurance.

Steven Banks, defending, said Abbas had been given medication after hospital treatment for severe burns on his scalp and the tablets stated he must not drive.