A quad bike enthusiast who drove straight at a villager trying to prevent him from riding his machine on a prohibited Yorkshire Dales green lane was fined £365 and had seven penalty points imposed on his licence at Bradford Crown Court on Monday.

Otterburn resident Stuart Jackson had to jump clear when Anthony Heaton forced his way on to Dacre Lane after he and two other bikers argued over access to the rural path to Hellifield.

Heaton, 49, a fireplace fitter, of Judge Fields, Colne, pleaded guilty to inconsiderate driving on November 7, 2010. His denial of the more serious charge of dangerous driving was accepted by the Crown.

Prosecutor Alan Mitcheson told the court that motorbikes were banned from the green lane and locals were annoyed by noise and damage caused by the machines.

At 11.30am, three residents confronted Heaton and his two friends who were about to set off down the path.

One quad bike and a motorcycle got through the gate and a rider held it open for Heaton to join them.

Mr Mitcheson said Heaton turned his machine and drove at Mr Jackson who had to get out of the way to avoid being struck.

The three bikes went off down the land and the police were alerted.

The court was told that one eye witness described it as “a very scary situation”.

In mitigation, it was said that Heaton and his party spent their leisure time off-road biking and did not realise the path was closed to them. He did not intend to harm, or even frighten, anyone. He just wanted to get through the gateway.

“He’s never been back since and he is never going back there ever again,” the court was told.

Judge Peter Benson said Heaton had a clean driving licence and had never before been in trouble with the police.

He drove straight at Mr Jackson after a heated exchange over getting on to the path.

The judge said Heaton caused threat and upset but he did not deserve to be banned from driving.