Ross William Singleton pushed Keith Garstang three times in the chest and spat at him after a row over a disabled parking bay. Singleton then drove off at speed and later alleged self-defence, Pennine magistrates heard.

Singleton earlier denied common assault, but had been convicted after a trial. The defendant (20), of Cotton Tree Lane, Colne, was given a 12-month community order, with 40 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £100 compensation and £250 costs.

Miss Ella Anderson (prosecuting) said, last December, Mr Garstang, a supervisor for NCP, was dealing with a vehicle parked in a disabled bay which was not showing the required permit.

As he issued a ticket, the defendant returned to the car and asked what the ticket was for. Mr Garstang explained he was parked in a disabled area and Singleton abused him.

Miss Anderson said the defendant told police it had been self-defence as the attendant had acted aggressively towards him.

She added Singleton had a previous conviction for assault causing actual bodily harm, committed when he was 13.

Mr Geoff Ireland (defending) said Singleton was not a young man who normally got into scrapes of this nature. He went on: "As far as he is concerned, this is a complete one-off."