A LANDSCAPE gardener from Lostock has been sentenced for running over his enemy's toy car with his bicycle.

Leigh Horton, 18, of Manchester Road admitted causing criminal damage to the man's £170 toy petrol car at Vale Royal Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Lawrence Bestow, prosecuting, said Stephen Johnson had been playing with his car outside his home when the defendant rode past on his bike and deliberately ran over the car, leaving it smashed and un-useable.

Mr Johnson said the defendant had been causing him problems since accusing him of telling police he stole a bike.

Gavin Edmondson, defending, said when arrested Horton told police in no uncertain terms that he had destroyed Mr Johnson's bike because he was a grass'.

He said Horton admitted there was a long-running feud between the two, who have known each other for 12 years and went to school together.

Magistrates ordered Horton to pay £170 compensation to Mr Johnson, as well as £35 court costs, £100 fine and a victim surcharge of £15.

The defendant is also facing two charges of assault against his step-father and one charge of obstructing a police officer in his duty from a separate incident. He strenuously denies the charges and will be tried at Vale Royal Magistrates' Court on January 8.