Ashley Burnage, 20, of Lynford Way, Rushden, said the car he was driving was surrounded by an angry crowd and he feared he and his friend were about to be assaulted for causing damage at the Fordham Arms in Sharnbrook.

It is alleged on December 1, 2007, as he drove off from the pub, Raelene Ball, 22, of Sharnbrook stood in front of his car, and ended up clinging on to the bonnet, until she was thrown off into the road.

At Luton Crown Court Burnage said he and a friend had gone to the pub with their girlfriends and were having an enjoyable time.

He said he had drunk no more that two or three pints, when he was
nudged from behind and became involved in an altercation which ended up outside.

Burnage said: "I got up and he came over and punched me to the side of the head twice and I went straight to the floor again. I was angry and picked up a parasol and put it through the window.

"People started coming out of the pub, so I got in the car and locked the doors. People were round the car banging on the windows and trying to open the handles, and there was a lot of shouting

"I was revving the engine to see if they would disappear but it did not work. I was creeping towards the exit. I really thought they were going to get in the car and anything could have happened.

"At one point I stopped because there was a female person in front of me and I didn't want to hit her. She was screaming and shouting and banging on the car.

"For a moment she moved out of the way but then jumped on to the bonnet and started banging on the windscreen. I was just panicking because of everyone around the car trying to get in.

"I thought for our safety we had to go. As I pulled out of the car park she was still on the bonnet. I turned left and don't recall what happened to her. I did not see her come off the bonnet."

Gareth Weetman, prosecuting, said Miss Ball is still suffering from long term complications from her injuries and has only recently returned to work part-time.

Burnage denies causing her grievous bodily harm. He also denies dangerous driving and the common assault of Daniel White, who was also struck by the car.

However, he admits causing criminal damage to the pub window and taking the car without consent.

The case continues.