Driver loses the plot over wheelie bin row
Raging motorist chases after stranger
aid after realising he was hurt. But, he was found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a trial.
Barnes, of Dunure, was bailed pending sentencing next month.
He told the High Court in Glasgow how he did not know Brown before that day.
Recalling the bin incident, Barnes said: “I opened the window and told him to ‘ p*** off down the street’ as he was disturbing us.”
Barnes claimed he only then got in the car to take his dog a walk. His lawyer Gerry Considine asked: “Did you run out to challenge him?” He replied: “Not a chance. I had a calf injury.”
Barnes said he did spot Brown again and claimed he then fell in the street.
He told jurors that he looked in his rear- view mirror and realised Brown may be badly hurt. Barnes went on: “I found him lying on the ground. I checked his breathing to make sure he was not choking. I put him in the recovery position.”
Barnes claimed he did not admit to shouting at Brown earlier. Asked why, he said: “I was scared that I was going to get the blame for something.”
Mr Considine also put to him: “Did your car come into contact with him?” Barnes: “No, not at all.” Prosecutor Stephen McCloy later said Barnes was scared that day because he had hurt Brown.
He denied the claim. The advocate depute added Barnes may have been “angry” after what happened outside the flat. Barnes said: “I had no reason to be angry.” Barnes had been accused of attempted murder before jurors convicted him of the alternative charge.
An allegation that he actually struck Brown with the car was also deleted.
Barnes had his bail continued as sentencing was deferred for reports.