A MOTORIST hit a female pedestrian, pinning her to a wall, after accelerating out of a car wash, a court heard.

Terence Evans was at the wheel of a Hyundai Coupe that appeared to lose control as it emerged from the wash at a garage in Peterlee, County Durham.

Mark Giuliani, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court, the car drove in an arc around the forecourt of the BP station, in Yoden Way.

"It was travelling at such a speed through the pumps that it couldn't stop and collided with the woman."

Mr Giuliani said the victim was pinned against a wall and suffered leg injuries.

Evans claimed it was an unfortunate accident, as his foot must have slipped on the accelerator.

He estimated that the car would have been travelling at about 20mph when the collision took place.

But Mr Giuliani said: "The Crown's case is that it was not an accident because he was travelling at a speed which was far too fast for a petrol station.

"He must have known someone could have been injured as a result."

Mr Giuliani said Evans could have over-estimated the speed, which may have been in the region of 15 to 18mph on impact with the victim.

Evans, 47, of Torver Crescent, Peterlee, denied causing actual bodily harm by wanton and furious driving.

But after being convicted on the second day of a trial, he was fined £250, and banned from driving for 18 months.