A DEPRESSED man who splashed a pedestrian by driving through a puddle pulled out a knife after arguing with his victim.

Iain Goodall, aged 34, brandished the weapon near the Londis store in Drakes Broughton, Pershore, after Victor Deomer confronted him in the shop and demanded an apology.

A struggle ensued, during which Goodall suffered a cut head. Police arrested him at his home later that day.

Mr Deomer did not appear at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday, but a 16-year-old friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described the incident.

She said she and another youth had been walking towards the shop with Mr Deomer on Sunday, March 10, when Goodall drove through a puddle next to them, splashing Mr Deomer's trousers.

When Goodall stopped at the Londis shop, she said, they approached him and the two men exchanged words.

She said Mr Deomer then followed Goodall, of Magnolia Close, Drakes Broughton, into the shop. Goodall left the store and went home.

But he returned to the shop minutes later. "He pulled out a knife from his right pocket," she said. "He held it in his hand and walked towards Victor."

She said Mr Deomer picked up a metal sign from the pavement and threw it at Goodall's chest. They then fought, she added.

Goodall said he was returning to the shop to buy some cigarettes and had been carrying the small kitchen knife because he had been doing electrical work at his brother-in-law's house.

Goodall was found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon and affray, but not guilty of assault. He denied all charges. Sentencing will take place on Tuesday, July 16 following a pre-sentence report.