A 27-YEAR-OLD Longford man drove at a pedestrian in the town centre after a call from his friend 'in distress', a court heard.

John Paget, of McKee Avenue, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously on Pinners Brow, off Orford Lane, on January 25 at Halton Magistrates' Court last Friday.

The court was shown CCTV footage (see below) on which a Range Rover could be seen driving slowly behind a vehicle before 'veering sharply to the left' onto the pavement and striking a man.

The car then returned to the road and travelled 20 metres, while being chased by the man who had been hit.

Footage showed the vehicle stop, Paget get out, put his hood up and gesture to the man.

Paget, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and black trainers in court, returned to the vehicle and drove off but was tracked down by the police and arrested.

The man attacked has not been identified by police officers following the incident.

Prosecuting, Sarah Hayes, said: "When questioned he said the Range Rover was his and said his friend asked for help - initially he denied hitting anyone."

Defending, Simon Leong, said: "The defendant received a call of a friend in distress saying he was being attacked by a large number of people.

"In a panic, he got into his vehicle and drove there and perceived the man as the one responsible for it.

"There is no evidence of any injuries suffered by this male."

Paget also appeared for sentencing for an assault against a woman in the town on September 27 after being found guilty on April 1.

The court heard how Paget punched Pamela Jones in a blow which 'forced' her to fall back.

Mrs Hayes said: "He said to her 'if you go to the police I will run your family out of Warrington', but she did contact the police."

District Judge Bridget Knight labelled the dangerous driving as 'extraordinary’ before sentencing.

"You have come to court with a bag which is very realistic," she said.

Paget was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison for dangerous driving and 20 weeks in prison for the assault - each to be served at the same time.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years, given a five year restraining order forbidding him from contacting Ms Jones or going within 100m of Ulverston Avenue, in Orford, and ordered to pay £80 victim surcharge.