A MAN has been cleared of assaulting his then girlfriend’s mother.

Adam Boyton had been accused of assaulting Felicity Miller and driving his car at her after a row between them at her West Bergholt home.

It took a Chelmsford Crown Court jury just over an hour to clear the 22-year-old on assault and damage charges.

Mr Boyton, of Old Forge Road, Layer de la Haye, was formally discharged by the court after the unanimous verdicts.

The prosecution had alleged Mrs Miller was assaulted and her car damaged during the incident on January 27, 2008.

He denied two charges of causing Mrs Miller actual bodily harm and another charge of damaging her Mercedes car.

The court heard Mrs Miller received arm and foot injuries during the incident and has limited mobility in both arms, cannot walk properly and has to wear flat shoes.

Her daughter had been in a relationship with Mr Boyton but the girl had returned to her mother’s home after problems between the couple.

Mrs Miller told the court she returned home and saw Mr Boyton coming out of her house and a row started.

Moments later, Mrs Miller said Mr Boyton drove his Renault Clio towards her and it went over her feet before he sped off damaging her Mercedes on the way.

In his evidence, Mr Boyton told the court he left in a panic and there had been no intention to hurt Mrs Miller.