A Norwich man was sentenced at the crown court for fraud

Motorist cleared of assault in Melton Constable dangerous driving case

Christine Cunningham, court reporter Thursday, July 19, 2012
9:30 AM

A motorist was cleared of assaulting a Norfolk farmer following an incident where he is alleged to have cut in front of a horse and cart causing the horse to bolt.

Adam Raphael, 45, of Swanton Road, Gunthorpe, Melton Constable was found not guilty of assaulting farmer Martin Holden causing him actual bodily harm as it was alleged that he had injured Mr Holden when he was struck with the wing mirror of his van in Briston, near Melton Constable.

The jury at Norwich Crown Court have still to decide on a charge of dangerous driving on June 6 last year, which Mr Raphael has denied.

The prosecution allege that charity volunteer Raphael, cut in front of the horse and cart in which Martin Holden was travelling along with his son Harry and daughter-in -law and then had reversed towards the horse, causing it to bolt.

Raphael claims he did not cut in front of the horse but had been careful and had given the horse and cart a wide berth.

The jury is due to continue with its deliberations today after being sent home last night.