A MAN driving home from work who swerved to avoid a couple walking in the road had his car kicked as he went past.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Steven Paul McDonald caused more than £500 worth of damage to the car and had been offered a caution on condition that he paid the compensation.

McDonald, 27, of Spring Meadows, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

He was made subject to a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £544 compensation and £60 costs.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said Stewart Taylor was driving along Whalley Road when he saw a male and a female walking in the road.

He slowed down and eventually had to swerve to avoid them.

"As he passed he was travelling at about 5 mph and the male kicked the back passenger door," said Mr Potter.

He said Mr Taylor got out of his car and there was a struggle.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said McDonald maintained he and his girlfriend were nearly run over.

"The driver got my client in a headlock and took him to the ground while the police were called," said Mr Ditta.