A VAN driver collided with a cyclist on a busy bypass, shortly after the pair exchanged words over the manner of his driving, a court heard.

The cyclist was knocked from his bike into roadside railings after being clipped by the van in Park Road Central, on the A167, in Chester-le-Street.

Ron Mitchell, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court that despite suffering minor knee and elbow injuries, the cyclist was able to note most of the van registration number. Two passing motorists confirmed his version of events.

Michael Blackwood, 28, was traced as the owner of the van and agreed having had words with the cyclist, but denied deliberately driving into him. He said he did not realise there had been an accident.

Rachel Hedworth, for Blackwood, said he has "complete and utter remorse" over events that day.

He said he used the van for his new shop removal business, and would have to employ a driver if he was banned from the road.

Blackwood, of Grampian Court, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, admitted dangerous driving and was banned for a year, with an order to pay £200 compensation and £300 costs.

Judge Maurice Carr said he would have imposed a tougher penalty had he thought it was a road-rage incident.