By Rebecca Hudson

A MAN man who drove into the back of a family's car while arguing with his wife fled the scene as he "didn't want to lose his no claims bonus".

Darren Knapp, from Southampton, crashed into the back of the car containing two children, "at such force that bits of the vehicle were left behind", a court heard.

Prosecuting, Kate Prince, said Mr Watson was stopped at a traffic light with his wife and two children at about 11.45pm on June 24.

While waiting for the light to change, his vehicle was "struck from behind".

Knapp, of Galahad Close, Andover, reversed the car and drove away from the scene.

Police were called and Mr Watson gave part of Knapp's registration number, and a Vauxhall badge had also been found near the scene of the crash on New Bridge Road, Salisbury.

When interviewed, Knapp, 41, admitted hitting the car. He said he had been driving at "about 20 or 30 miles per hour" and was "distracted" by an argument with his wife.

He said he had seen the occupants of the car get out after the crash, so thought they weren't injured.

Knapp said he didn't report it because he "didn't want to lose his no claims bonus", Ms Prince said.

Mr Watson was left with about £2,600 damage to his car, and his family members saw their GP for back and neck injuries.

Knapp pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident and driving without due care and attention in Salisbury magistrates' court on Friday.

Representing himself in court, Knapp, who works as a truck driver, said: "I can't say I'm sorry enough.

"I feel so bad, I just wish I never went to pick my wife up. We was rowing but it's no excuse, there ain't no excuse for what I have done and I'm just really sorry [sic].

"I just don't really want to lose my job, my family and my house."

Magistrate Mrs Jeffery fined Knapp £750 and endorsed eight points on his licence, bringing his total to 11 points after he received three for speeding in 2015.

She said: "You must not have any other driving offence while these points are on your licence.

"We are aware that there are various people dependant on you at the moment so I want you to take this really seriously."

Knapp must also pay £85 court costs and a £75 victim surcharge.