A PROMISING footballer fled the scene of an accident fearing news of it could get back to his club.

Curtis Garry Edwards was involved with Middlesbrough Football Club’s academy when he crashed into the back of a car on Tuesday, March 5.

Edwards – of Conyers Way, Middlesbrough – pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without insurance, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to report that accident when he appeared before Darlington Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, August 13).

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said the 19-year-old had manoeuvred around a line of traffic and performed a u-turn in order to get away from the scene, at Darlington’s Morton Park.

However, his front registration plate was left behind, enabling police officers to track him down.

Representing himself, Edwards said: “I made a foolish decision. I was on my way home from a training session with Middlesbrough and I panicked as I did not want the news to get back to the club.

“I just panicked and wanted to escape the consequences. I really regret it.”

The low speed collision caused £100 of damage to the other vehicle.

Judge Adrian Lower said: “Instead of stopping to exchange details as the law requires you to do, you foolishly chose to drive off, hoping the matter would not catch up with you.

“I hope you have learned a valuable lesson about what the law requires of responsible motorists.”

Edwards was fined £365 and made to pay costs of £105. His licence was endorsed with eight penalty points – meaning the new driver must re-sit his test before taking to the road again.