A FIREMAN today spoke of the worst year of his life after he was cleared of impersonating a police officer during a bust-up with a woman motorist.

Nick Isherwood, 42, a station officer at Nelson Fire Station, said the case should never have been brought.

Gillian Duff, a Lancashire County Council training officer alleged that Mr Isherwood impersonated a police officer after she overtook him in Whalley Road, Sabden, on the morning of December 12, 2001.

Blackburn magistrates heard he flashed his lights to stop her car and told her off about her driving.

But they cleared him of the charge before warning him that he would have to think carefully before flashing his lights at other motorists he considered to be driving improperly.

Mr Isherwood is originally from Blackburn but has also served in Accrington and Burnley. After the case, he said: "Obviously it has been the worst year of my life to have this hanging over me.

"It doesn't just affect me, it affects my whole family and friends.

"With all those who are close to me it was not so much a problem as they knew I was innocent.

"For those on the periphery there was more of a problem.

"They presumed that there was no smoke without fire. I had to fight to clear my name."

The court was told that Mr Isherwood did not say he was a police officer but gave Miss Duff the impression that he was.

Magistrates accepted the defence version that he had been prompted by concern for the safety of road users.

Mr Isherwood said that he would still be prepared to warn other road users in future about their driving, provided he was not wearing his uniform.

Describing the incident, he said: "We should all take ownership of the problems of our society. You don't have to be nasty about it, just point out the errors in a friendly way.

"I have always maintained that if I were dressed in jeans and T-shirt I would have done the same. If I was dressed in jeans and T-shirt I will do the same again.

"One criticism I have is that I didn't introduce myself."

Mr Isherwood also said that he did not bear a grudge against Miss Duff.

He said: "I have no axe to grind with her at all, for whatever reason chose to do that. I am not taking it personally."

And Mr Isherwood also said there were flaws in the prosecution's case.

He said "I have said all along that the case should never have been brought. What I have learnt is that justice prevails and for me that is the right outcome."

Mr Isherwood said he had received full support fromm his colleagues in the fire service during the 12 months.

He was not suspended during the investigation.

Ian Rushton, district crown prosecutor, said: "There are stringent tests which we have to undergo before a case, which we followed.

"And the magistrates chose to pass comment that his behaviour was unwise."