Newcastle car attack: Driver pleads guilty to knocking man down Published duration 20 January

media caption The victim was knocked to the ground during the attack

A "reckless" driver who struck a man with his car on a busy street has pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The victim was knocked to the ground in Newcastle's Groat Market last July, and footage of the incident was shared widely on social media.

Daniel Walmsley, 28, of Leam Lane in Gateshead, also admitted dangerous driving and driving while banned.

He was remanded in custody at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced in April.

An onlooker's video showed a woman striking Walmsley's car windscreen with what appeared to be a shoe before he then sped towards a man in front of his vehicle.

image copyright Northumbria Police image caption Daniel Walmsley will be sentenced in April

Northumbria Police said Walmsley had resorted to "mindless violence" and labelled his actions "dangerous" and "reckless".

Although the victims did not support a prosecution, Det Con Phil Hoggins said the case "showed people can still be convicted" as a result of gathering CCTV footage and witness statements.

"This was a very high-profile incident as video footage of the assault was shared thousands of times on social media," he added.

"It took place on a busy Saturday in Newcastle in an area of the city centre that was packed with people enjoying a night out."