A MOTORIST has been cleared of deliberately driving his 4x4 pick-up truck at three Hampshire traffic wardens after being given a parking ticket.

Jurors unanimously acquitted Stephen Rouse of dangerous driving following the incident in which the council workers said they were forced to flee for their lives as the Toyota Hilux sped towards them.

But Rouse, 25, was convicted of the lesser offence of careless driving, and admitted using threatening behaviour for hurling abuse at one of the Fareham Borough Council workers who issued his £30 fine.

He had left his truck parked on double yellow lines and with two wheels obstructing the kerb while he visited a nearby bank in Park Gate, near Southampton.

Moments after the altercation, in which he insulted two of the attendants and threatened the third, Portsmouth Crown Court heard Rouse got into his vehicle and sped into the Middle Street car park.

A pedestrian told police he was so concerned at the speed of the 4x4 he had to step back as it hurtled past him, even though he wasn't in the way of the vehicle.

The three traffic attendants then spotted the truck coming in their direction.

For more, see today's Daily Echo