Kirsty Claydon, 39 Banscol, was found not guilty after trial at the JP Court in Dornoch on Wednesday.

Two witnesses claimed Claydon (36), had driven without reasonable consideration on the single-track Rogart to Brora road at Banscol on 29th September.

Charles Setchfield, Banscol Lodge, said he had been talking to Claydon when they both saw another neighbour, Kate Turner, walking towards them a short distance away with two horses, a foal and three English pointers.

Mr Setchfield said Claydon had immediately jumped into her car and shot off in the direction of Ms Turner, stopping abruptly in front of her.

In the witness box, Ms Turner, Dalreavoch Cottage, said Claydon's actions had been an "intent to harm, create havoc, upset and discord."

She said: "The car was coming right at me.

"I let go the horses and threw myself on the bonnet."

And Ms Turner claimed she was the victim of a "witch hunt."

But giving evidence on her own behalf, Claydon said she had decided not to wait for Ms Turner to pass because, from prior knowledge, she knew it could take her some time as the horses were "faffing around on the road."

She disputed claims that Turner was leading her horses and said that one was on a rope and the other two were well behind.

The dogs were running "all over the place."

Claydon said she had been driving at no more than five to 10 mph and had set off with the intention of pulling into a passing place to allow Turner to pass.

However she misjudged the distance and Turner had already walked past the passing place.

She said: "I think my driving was acceptable and I had no intention to cause harm or upset, but I also know I could have sat there for an endless length of time waiting for her to pass.

"I don't think I was careless or thoughtless."

Claydon said Turner had flown into a "huge rage", started screaming and shouting, kicking the bonnet and doors of the car and had also broken the windscreen with her fists. Ms Turner had also tried to trap Claydon's head with the car door.

Claydon reported the damage to police that night and officers came to her home and looked at the windscreen.

However, she was "shocked" when officers returned in November - two months after the incident - to caution and charge her with reckless driving.

JP Sandy Morrison said the case hinged on the credibility of the witnesses and the impression they had made in court.

He said he had listened carefully to all the evidence but did not feel the allegation had been proved beyond reasonable doubt. He therefore found Claydon not guilty.

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