A MOTORIST illegally forced a father-of-three to pull over on the A419 by using flashing lights, a court heard.

Adrian Moore, of Scarlet Close, Swindon, appeared before Cirencester magistrates to face charges of harassment and using flashing lights.

Moore, a taxi driver, pleaded guilty to the two offences after charges of impersonating a police officer were dropped.

The incident took place between Cirencester and Swindon during the afternoon of October 17 last year.

George Mullin, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was driving along the A419 in the outside lane of the carriageway in the direction of Gloucester.

"He drove up behind a Ford Mondeo at speed with flashing lights on his vehicle.

"The driver of the car, who had three children in the rear, believed it was a police vehicle and pulled over into the inside lane.

"They stopped in an unsuitable place and thought a police officer would get out of the flashing car, but the car didn't even stop.

"The quick-thinking father then pulled out and followed the defendant while his wife took down the registration number of the vehicle they were following.

"Moore's car was a former fire brigade response vehicle."

Helen Manley-Topp, defending, said: "He (Moore) says he was driving along the carriageway when a vehicle overtook him while accelerating.

"He felt it was dangerous and he flipped the switch of the lights, but they weren't flashing for a long time.

"At the time Mr Moore was recovering from an accident and was very conscious of road safety issues.

"This may have affected his judgement and made him want to offer some kind of warning.

"Moore has since removed the illegal lights from his car and he said the matter will never happen again."

The 40-year-old was ordered to pay £50 compensation to the family he harassed and a £250 fine. He also incurred costs of £100.

The chairman of the bench said: "You have admitted you were very foolish and we agree your actions did cause distress to the family."

Tom Shepherd