A FESTIVAL-GOER wanted by police for assaulting his girlfriend ploughed his car into an officer sent to detain him, a court heard.

Lee Hepburn accelerated in the direction of PC Michael Taylor-Parsons as he drove out of the Party in the Paddock Festival in Wimborne on June 11 last year, Bournemouth Crown Court was told.

He continued driving and also collided with and injured a pedestrian despite the officer striking the car with his baton in an attempt to stop him.

The court heard Hepburn, 29, who lives in Highlands Crescent, Bournemouth had driven his girlfriend’s blue Peugeot to the festival.

Prosecuting, Stuart Ellacott said Hepburn and girlfriend, Shari Mallia, had been drinking and that there was an argument between them.

“She was struck on the chest and knocked down by the defendant” said Mr Ellacott. “Others came to her aid and helped her up.”

He said the incident was reported to festival security staff who then notified police. The court was told officers, including PC Taylor-Parsons, arrived as Hepburn and Miss Mallia were leaving the festival.

After colliding with the officer and pedestrian Andrea Smith, Hepburn fled the scene, said Mr Ellacott. The car was located later the same day and Hepburn was arrested a few days later.

Mrs Smith suffered injuries including a deep wound to her upper lip and cuts and grazes to her cheek, elbow and legs.

Hepburn admitted dangerous driving, assaulting PC Taylor-Parsons and Shari Mallia by beating, failing to stop after a road accident and driving with no licence or insurance.

The prosecution offered no evidence on a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to PC Taylor-Parsons after hearing from a witness who said Hepburn attempted to steer away from the officer.

James Etching told the court he saw Hepburn accelerate after following Shari Mallia into the car park to check she was all right after the assault.

Hepburn initially told police he drove off “in a panic” after his vehicle was attacked by security staff.

He was remanded in custody and is due before a judge for sentence today.