A RHUDDLAN man who pushed over and injured a woman of 71 as she delivered medication to his neighbours had rejected a police offer to let him off with a caution, in return for writing a letter of apology, a court heard.

Anthony Harland, 60, of Plas y Brenin, Rhuddlan, ended up being prosecuted at Llandudno court where he admitted common assault in November.

Magistrates heard that shocked Sandra Jones suffered a swollen wrist. Prosecutor James Neary said: “She is extremely shaken up by the whole incident.“

Mr Neary said the pensioner delivered for pharmacies and saw Harland outside his home apparently de-icing a Vauxhall Corsa. She had parked in the cul-de-sac and left enough room in case the defendant needed to move his car.

But the prosecutor said Harland had shouted and was abusive to her.

The victim had been "extremely upset and shocked by his aggressive demeanour" and had been pushed to the ground.

Harland accepted to police when questioned that he had lost his temper.

"This lady is a public servant assisting people in the community,“ Mr Neary added.

Andrew Hutchinson, defending, said: "What's sad is he was arrested the same day and taken to custody at St Asaph and made partial admissions and he was given the opportunity of a conditional caution. The condition of receiving that caution was a letter of apology. He declined that offer by North Wales Police. He regrets not taking that conditional caution.”

Harland, on benefit, claimed he had been unable to manoeuvre his car.

He was apologetic.

He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £250 compensation and £117 costs.