A motorist repeatedly tried to mow down a former Maidstone United footballer in a road rage row, the Old Bailey has heard.

Aaron Mullis, 25, allegedly drove at 30 year-old defender Mario McNish three times after a punch-up at traffic lights.

Only quick reactions saved McNish from being crushed as Mullis' Ford Mondeo smashed into the roadside barrier, it is claimed.

CCTV cameras recorded the incident on Sydenham High Road in Kent at about 11pm on October 17 last year.

The row started when McNish, who was returning from training in his Mercedes, had beeped his horn at Mullis when the traffic lights turned green.

Prosecutor Mark Cotter said: "Mario McNish was behind Aaron Mullis when the traffic lights went from red to green.

"But Mullis did not drive off immediately and Mario McNish beeped to indicate the lights had changed.

"Aaron Mullis' response was not to drive away but to get out of his vehicle and walk to the driver's window of the Mercedes to remonstrate with him."

Mr McNish also got out of his car and in the confrontation punched Mullis in the face, fracturing his jaw, jurors were told.

At this point Mullis got back in his car and reversed into Mr McNish's Mercedes.

Mr Cotter added: "He then made repeated attempts to run over Mario McNish.

"The attempts were so determined that he actually smashed through metal fencing on the side of the road.

"Fortuitously Mario McNish was able to get out of the way at the last moment."

Jurors heard that the passenger in Mullis' car also got out and started hitting the victim's Mercedes with a piece of car bumper.

Mullis then mounted the pavement and drove away from the scene before being arrested at his home.

In police interview he claimed he was only trying to protect his passenger from attack by Mr McNish.

McNish played for Maidstone at the time of the incident but has since left the club. He has also played for Brentford in west London and Fisher Athletic in south London.

Mullis, of Ravensbourne Road, Catford, south east London, denies attempted murder, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

The trial continues.