A FORMER fairground boss has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work for dangerous driving.

Henry Hill, aged 51, was convicted of the offence which happened on May 7, last year.

But a jury cleared him of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and five counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

The jury dismissed prosecutor Peter Barr’s account that Hill, of Hills Showman Park, Morris Street, Bolton, drove at the group of men, with the intention to cause injury, after his son, Kurt, was involved in a scuffle outside The Farmer’s Arms in Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever.

Lee Dootson was hit by the 4x4 pick-up truck, knocked unconscious and needed surgery to insert a metal plate in his ankle.

Michael Johnson, defending, said Hill, who has been bankrupt for seven years, showed remorse for the injuries caused to Mr Dootson.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard yesterday that Hill was hardworking and had carried out charity work.

Recorder Craig Osborne, sentencing, said: “This incident 18 months ago appeared to start with a scuffle, nothing more than what was described as ‘handbags’ at The Farmers Arms and the parties then separated.

“Thereafter it seems in your account that your wife received some phone calls from your son’s employee who said your son was being beaten up.

“Why on earth you didn’t then call the police or tell him to get a taxi I have no idea but you felt that you had to go up and try and sort it out.”

He said he had to sentence the defendant on the most favourable view that he drove off too “jerkily” or to make sure Dootson “didn’t fall off too badly”.

Hill was banned from driving for a year and ordered to complete the unpaid work within 12 months.

He was also ordered to comply with a new directions activity requirement, which addresses offending.

He was ordered to pay £500 court costs.