A TRAFFIC warden accused of assaulting a driver had the case against him thrown out by magistrates yesterday.

Peter Swatton, 48, of Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was accused of attacking Ryan Corbett in Adelaide Street, North Oxford, on April 25. But magistrates’ chairman Bob Swift dismissed the case at Oxford Magistrates’ Court after the prosecution witnesses, including Mr Corbett, failed to attend.

As he walked free from court, Mr Swatton, who had denied the assault charge, said to the magistrates: “Have a good weekend. Be careful where you park.”

Julian Lynch, defending, said an argument broke out between Mr Swatton and Mr Corbett, after Mr Corbett made a complaint.

Mr Lynch said: “Mr Swatton has always said he was not the aggressor. It surprises me that this has got to trial.

“I know Mr Swatton was surprised to attend court today. He is quite confident he would have been acquitted here.”