A SAILOR has been found not guilty of using the 100-tonne Brownsea Island ferry to 'crush' an inflatable boat against Poole Quay in a 'parking row'.

Oliver Jarvis, the master of the Maid of Poole, had been charged with two counts after an incident in the harbour in September 2017.

Prosecutors claimed the 35-year-old, of Lagland Street in Poole, had deliberately piloted the yellow ferry into a 3.8 metre dinghy.

Complainant Stuart Cain told jurors at Bournemouth Crown Court he feared he would die during the incident.

Mr Jarvis denied committing an act likely to cause loss or destruction of, or serious damage to, a ship or structure, as well as a second charge of committing an act likely to cause death or serious injury to any person.

Jurors returned not guilty verdicts this afternoon.

Mr Jarvis gave evidence yesterday in his defence.

Asked if he had any intention of forcing the smaller boat out of the ferry's way, he replied: "Of course not."

He told the court he had asked Mr Cain to move the dinghy, and thought Mr Cain would untie it and move along the quay in time for him to berth in his usual spot.

He denied a collision had taken place and said Mr Cain’s dinghy may have ‘brushed’ against the side of the ferry as it passed.