Teacher Gordon Springall, of Shepshed, Leicestershire, suffered five broken ribs when a car reversed into him as he took his dog for a walk in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire.

The 51-year-old was staying at a local caravan park after visiting a concert at nearby Belvoir Castle.

Electrician John McKinney, 39, of Mapperley, Nottingham, is alleged to have been at the wheel during the incident in August 2001.

'Lost control'

His girlfriend's company car was found abandoned a mile from the crash scene with its rear windscreen smashed and boot damaged.

But Mr McKinney told Lincoln Crown Court on Tuesday he had an accident while attempting to locate a hotel and denied running down Mr Springall.

He said he and his girlfriend had attended the same concert as Mr Springall and spent up to 40 minutes trying to find where they were due to spend the night.

Mr McKinney claimed he lost control, left the road and came to rest at the side of a hedge, after which he was unable to start the car.

He said he and his girlfriend abandoned the vehicle and when he returned to it the next morning there were "police aware" stickers on it.

The prosecution claims Mr Springall was targeted in a "classic example of road-rage" after motioning for a speeding car to slow down.

Mr McKinney denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent, an alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm and an offence of dangerous driving.

The trial continues.