A DRIVER accused of mowing down a police officer has admitted driving dangerously.

Gary Boote, aged 23, of Darwen Road, Bromley Cross, appeared at Bolton Crown Court yesterday where he also denied causing PC Michael Corner grievous bodily harm.

Boote drove dangerously along Bradshawgate and Bank Street in the early hours of Sunday, September 9 last year, the court was told. Boote pleaded guilty to a full charge of driving a Toyota Corolla with false number plates dangerously in the Bolton town centre. Judge Elliot Knopf banned the defendant from driving and set a trial date for May 6.

The length of his driving ban will be set when he is sentenced. A further case management hearing will be held for the grievous bodily harm charge on Friday, February 7.

The police officer went to hospital after being mowed down in an alleged hit and run.

He suffered knee injuries but was not seriously injured.

Judge Knopf said: “You pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

“There is an interim driving disqualification for that.

“You have pleaded not guilty to intending to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.”

Boote was granted bail on the conditions he lives at the address given to the court and does not contact prosecution witnesses.