A RETIRED cop found guilty of a road rage attack on a police inspector has had his conviction quashed.

Grandad Bernard Donning, 62, from Wigan, was said to have been furious when he was `cut up' by Insp Mark Chadderton.

Mr Donning, a former sergeant with Greater Manchester Police, was accused of punching Mr Chadderton's window twice and swearing at him repeatedly.

Wigan Magistrates' Court had heard when the policeman jumped out to take a picture of his attacker on his mobile phone Mr Donning got back into his car and drove at him, hitting his knee.

In April Mr Donning was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, a six-week curfew order and ordered to pay £150 costs and £369 compensation to his victim.

He appealed against the conviction and it has now been overturned at Liverpool Crown Court.

Mr Donning said: "When I was convicted I was absolutely flabbergasted.

"After nearly 30 years in the police force all I believed I had to do is tell the truth, and I did that from the beginning.

"I felt as if there was a terrible stain on my character.

"It has been an awful and stressful 10 months for me and my family.

"When the conviction was overturned my feelings were just indescribable."

Judge Morrow QC cleared Mr Donning following the appeal hearing.

Neal Boland, a senior partner at Stephensons defended Mr Donning.

He said: "The outcome of the initial trial caused a great deal of embarrassment to him and his family and so this appeal will allow him to clear his name at last."