JURORS have cleared a police sergeant of dangerous driving on one of Hampshire’s busiest roads.

Three men and nine women deliberated for about two hours before acquitting Sgt Sean Harvey. They also returned a similar verdict on the alternative charge of careless driving.

Sgt Harvey declined to speak to the Daily Echo after the case because he could still face an internal Hampshire police investigation.

Instead Police Federation representative PC Terry Chard issued a brief statement on his behalf.

He said: “He is very pleased with the verdict. The jury has come to the right conclusion.

“It has been a hard ordeal which has lasted 13 months not just for himself but also his family.”

Sgt Harvey, 42, of Thorne Close, Verwood, has been suspended from police driving duties since the allegation in June of last year.

Jurors heard how he had chased BMW driver Trevor Dalton for several miles after he had undertaken him on the busy A31 dual carriageway in the New Forest and made an obscene gesture at him.

He had been in the outside lane when the officer driving an unmarked police vehicle pulled out in front of him to pass a lorry.

Mr Dalton said he then saw his hazard lights flashing and when he stayed in the outside lane, he undertook him.

It was not until the officer caused him to stop and grab his keys that he realised he was a police officer.

The incident between Picket Post and Ringwood was witnessed by traffic officer PC Symon Warren, who reported him. PC Warren, who was on his way home after a shift, told jurors he considered Sgt Harvey had driven “ludicrously”

and “dangerously”.

Giving evidence at Guildford Crown Court, Sgt Harvey denied that he had reacted after being offended by the gesture.

He said: “I see that sort of thing every day in my work. I wanted to speak to Mr Dalton before he made the gesture.

He was driving dangerously and with excessive speed.”

Disagreeing with a suggestion he had thrown his weight about, he added: “I don’t come from that background. What I did was reasonable in the circumstances.”

The court heard written testimonials from retired colleague John Noble, who described him as 100 per cent trustworthy and committed to the police.

Inspector Jacqueline Wilson praised him as being conscientious, patient and motivated.

Both said they had never seen or heard him lose his temper.

Sgt Paul Selby, giving evidence in person, described Sgt Harvey’s character as calm and considered. He added: “He is a very good police officer and friend. He is also a very good family man.”