Former world champion boxer Steve Collins has spoken of his relief after he was cleared of punching a pensioner in the face during an alleged road rage attack in Southend.

Mr Collins, 37, of Friars Street, Shoebury, was found not guilty of assaulting David Kimpton by Southend magistrates.

Mr Kimpton, now 70, had alleged that Mr Collins had punched him in the face after forcing his lorry to stop near the Invisible Man roundabout, in Southend, last October.

This followed an earlier incident at the Cuckoo Corner roundabout, also in Southend.

Mr Kimpton, who works as a lorry driver for Acacia Packaging, based in Shoebury Avenue, Shoebury, was not in court to hear the verdict.

Speaking outside court Mr Collins said: "There has been a lot of interest in this case because of who I am.

"So I'm just glad that my version of the story, the true version, came out and I have kept my good name and reputation intact."

Charges against Mr Collins of inconsiderate driving and driving without a licence were dropped at an earlier hearing.

More on this story in today's Evening Echo

Published Wednesday, March 13, 2002