AN enraged driver deliberately reversed a car into a bailiffs’ van when they turned up unannounced.

The bailiffs were contracted by Worcester City Council to collect an outstanding parking fine that had been issued to Paul Donovan’s partner.

Donovan, of Patterdale Drive, Warndon, told them that his girlfriend was out, but they demanded he either paid or handed over her Vauxhall Astra car.

The 32-year-old father-of-three refused. He got into the car and twice reversed down the driveway, ramming into the bailiffs’ van.

At Worcester Magistrates Court Donovan admitted causing criminal damage, driving without a licence and driving without full insurance.

Nick Roberts, defending, said the couple had paid off a substantial amount of the parking fine, which originated from an £80 fixed penalty notice, but had totalled more than £400 by the time the bailiffs arrived, and had planned to pay the rest within a fortnight. He said: “They had paid £315 and believed there was only a small amount left.

“There was no warning letter, but the bailiffs turned up saying it was now going to cost them more than £600 because of the bailiff call-out fee.

“Mr Donovan was upset and angry because they weren’t listening to him.

“It was his partner’s debt to pay so really they shouldn’t have demanded any money from him.”

Mr Roberts said the first collision had been an accident and Donovan only reversed into the van because the bailiffs had moved it to block the driveway – a matter than the Crown Prosecution Service disputes.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said: “There was £496.19 of damage, including large dents and scratches to the paintwork of the van. Mr Donovan said the bailiffs had moved their van across the drive so he couldn’t move out. He stated that it was accidental but that he was reckless in reversing too fast.” Both parties agreed that the second collison was “wholly deliberate”.

The magistrates sentenced Donovan to pay £150 compensation to the Bristow & Sutor bailiff company, along with a £100 fine for driving without a licence. He was also made subject to a 12-month conditional discharge.

• Your Worcester News was the only member of the media to attend the meeting.