A MAN was struck by a car and thrown over its bonnet after a parking dispute outside a Harrogate fish and chip shop, the town's magistrates heard yesterday.

Stephanie Waite, prosecuting, said Philip Bennett spoke to Kenneth Greenhalgh when he parked on double yellow lines while he went to a shop in Leyland Road.

Mrs Waite said Greenhalgh, of Queensgate, North Park Road, Harrogate, opened his door slightly when Mr Bennett knocked on the window.

When told he had parked inconsiderately, Greenhalgh became abusive and slammed the door.

As Mr Bennett walked round the car, the engine revved and it leapt forward a few feet, throwing him on to the bonnet then the ground.

Greenhalgh drove off but Mr Bennett called the police.

Greenhalgh told officers he had not been thinking clearly and did not stop because he wanted to avoid an escalation of the dispute.

David Camidge, mitigating, said the contact between car and victim was almost accidental.

The incident happened after the car had been parked illegally in an area where neighbours were fed up with traffic problems, he said.

Greenhalgh admitted dangerous driving and was fined £280 with £60 costs.

He was given a 12-month driving ban after which he must take a re-test.