A HOLIDAYMAKER in New Quay reversed into a passer-by as she was trying to get away after smashing her car into another vehicle, magistrates have heard.

Kate Barton, 31, who has just completed a nursing course, caused damage to a car parked next to her and ended up pushing away a witness who tried to stop her leaving the scene while he called the police.

But Barton told police that the other car had “parked too close” and said that she had been scared when confronted by the witness and had wanted to leave when she nudged him with her car.

Barton pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage, with a charge of failing to report an accident dismissed by magistrates after she pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor said Barton, of 17 Stuart Street in Aberdare, had returned to her car parked in the Wellington Place car park in New Quay and found another car parked close to her vehicle.

Steven Hughes, who was passing by, saw Barton hit her car door into the other vehicle causing a dent above a wheel arch.

Mr Hughes said he was going to report the damage and took a picture of Barton’s number plate, but when he stood behind the car to stop her driving off, she continued to reverse before making contact with him.

He then went to the front of the car to again try and stop Barton from driving away, but she got out of her car and pushed him, causing him to step backwards.

Defence solicitor Alison Mathias said Barton had previously had a bad experience when a stranger leaned into her car and stole her handbag, and that when she was confronted by Mr Hughes she panicked.

Barton was fined £100, ordered to pay costs of £115 and compensation of £50 to Mr Hughes.