A motorist alleged to have driven at people standing outside a nightclub was cleared on Wednesday of driving either dangerously or inconsiderately.

It took a Chelmsford Crown Court jury nearly three hours to unanimously clear Mark Hagon, 30, of dangerous or careless driving.

Mr Hagon, of Pawle Close, Great Baddow, was discharged by Recorder David Turner QC. Richard Harris prosecuting said Mr Hagon was refused entry to King's night club, Colchester on September 9.

There was a row with door staff and Mr Hagon allegedly drove a car fast in the car park and then at door staff and visitors outside the club, causing people to step aside. A police car drove around the car park after Mr Hagon who was arrested when he stopped.

Mr Hagon told the court his driving had not been dangerous or fast, but he drove away to get away from the bouncers who had assaulted him.

Mr Hagon said: "They were having a pop at me. I wanted to distance myself from them."

Published Friday, March 15, 2002