A MOTORIST who failed to stop at an accident because he feared being late for work has been fined almost £500.

James Richard Stroud, aged 29, also received seven points on his licence when he appeared at Burton Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The motorist, who lives in Engine Lane, Tamworth, had been beginning his commute to work at 5.45am on November 2.

But then his Ford Focus hit a Citroen Saxo in nearby Silver Link Road.

The court heard that the "glancing" blow caused only minor damage to the other vehicle.

But fearing he would be in trouble if he was late for work, Stroud did not stop at the scene.

The driver of the Citroen noted Stroud's registration details and police traced him to his home.

On Thursday, Stroud pleaded guilty to failing to stop, failing to report the accident and driving without due care and attention.

Defence solicitor Charles Lawton said: "My client has held a driving licence since 2004 and he has no endorsements on it, and this is his first appearance at court.

"He is also the sole breadwinner for his young family, so any driving ban would be catastrophic.

"The incident occurred just yards from his home and was an error of judgement which could have happened to any of us. How many of us drive off without putting our seatbelts on first? That is an offence.

"Where he went wrong was not reporting the incident to the police, and he accepts that and any punishment he is given."

For the failure to stop at the accident, Stroud was fined £240, reduced from £360 due to his early plea.

No separate penalty was given for failing to report.

But Stroud was fined £145 for driving without due care and attention and received seven points on his licence.

Court costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge took the total owed to the court to £485, which he offered to pay immediately.