Refuse lorry row driver 'lost it'

The court heard Foster was a man of previous good character

A refuse worker who chased a man around a car park in his tipper lorry has received a suspended jail sentence.

Flintshire Council worker Damien Foster, 22, drove at another man following an argument at a retail park, causing his victim to run for cover.

Foster, from Broughton, hit a bin and drove with it wedged under his wheel.

Foster admitted dangerous driving at Mold Crown Court and was jailed for 40 weeks, suspended for 12 months. The judge said he "totally lost control".

He must also do 250 hours of unpaid work, pay £40 costs and take an extended re-test following a 12-month driving ban.

The court heard Foster was in his own vehicle at Broughton Retail Park when a man walked in front of his truck, causing him to brake sharply.

Punch

When Foster got out of the vehicle and punched the man, witness Scott Onions ran to help and pushed Foster out of the way.

After a brief altercation Foster returned to his vehicle and drove at Mr Onions.

Prosecutor Michael Whitty said: "He had to run around the car park trying to avoid the vehicle.

"The defendant pursued him in his vehicle."

A CCTV recording of the incident was played to the judge, Mr Recorder Nic Parry.

Mr Onions escaped through bushes into a nearby McDonald's car park, with Foster in pursuit.

Security officers called police as Foster, with a litter bin wedged under his truck, continued to drive aggressively.

He reversed into Mr Onions' BMW car before following him into the McDonald's car park.

Foster then drove the wrong way round a roundabout, trying to chase Mr Onions, who eventually escaped.

The judge, who took into account Foster's guilty plea, said: "You totally lost control.

"You had no regard for the safety of others."

The court heard Foster works for the council as a site attendant at Greenfield, Queensferry and Mold.