A RUGBY league fan escaped jail after driving into a steward at the McAlpine Stadium.

Bradford Crown Court was told that Huddersfield Giants fan Andrew Blacker, from Wooldale, drove into Liam Cassady after thinking he was an opposition fan trying to attack him.

Prosecutor Michael Collins said the incident happened when fans were trying to get out of a car park near the ground last September.

He said an elderly man went up to Blacker's car and started banging on the windows.

Blacker's father and another man got out of the car and the pensioner was punched.

A steward - wearing a high- visibility jacket - saw the incident and went to the car and motioned for it to stop.

Mr Collins said Blacker then drove at Mr Cassady, hitting him on his knee.

The car then carried on for 15 feet, with Mr Cassady on the bonnet, before he fell off and the car sped away.

The court was told that Blacker thought the steward was wearing a Warrington shirt and was an opposition fan who was going to attack him.

Blacker, 30, of Town End Road, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

He was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £250 costs and £250 compensation.

He was also given an 80-hour community punishment order.

Judge Peter Benson told Blacker that this type of offence would normally bring a custodial sentence.

He added: "You, as the driver of the vehicle, have a responsibility to drive it in such a way that you avoid injuring other people.

"It was a dangerous and irresponsible thing to do.

"Quite what your motive was I do not know, but you were reckless, foolhardy and dangerous," the judge added.