Motorist who was filmed hurling abuse at a patient's daughter after his car was blocked in by an ambulance admits harassment as he reveals he and his family have received DEATH THREATS over the incident

A motorist claims he and his family have received death threats after he was filmed hurling abuse at the daughter of a seriously ill woman when he was blocked in by an ambulance.

Detectives initially thought Colin Anderson had aimed his tirade at paramedics with the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

But the 50-year-old later admitted the furious row in Runcorn, Cheshire, was with the patient's daughter.

A neighbour filmed the altercation and posted the video on social media, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Lawyers for Anderson yesterday claimed he and his family had received death threats after the footage went viral.

Anderson, from Runcorn, admitted causing harassment, alarm or distress to an “unknown person” with intent at Warrington Magistrates’ Court today.

He was initially due to stand trial for hurling abuse at paramedic Lisa Campbell, but today the CPS agreed to amend the charge after accepting Anderson directed his tirade at the patient’s daughter.

Adam Warner, prosecuting, told the court the incident occurred on November 12 last year when Anderson and his wife began to drive home after walking their dogs .

The court heard Anderson had got into his vehicle on Union Street, but approached the ambulance after a short distance.

He later told police the vehicle had no hazard lights activated, and after waiting for five to 10 minutes he could see no one in the street.

Mr Warner said: “He beeped once and a woman came out of an address, who was the daughter of the person being treated by the paramedics.

“He said she was being abusive and he replied ‘You don’t need to f****** shout at me like that’.

“He stated he was very loud and he could come across as aggressive.”

Mr Warner said Anderson began to reverse his car, but then got out and continued the row.

The court heard the paramedics left the address at this point.

Anderson was heard to use the words “f****** idiot” but claimed this was not directed at the paramedics, but at the daughter.

He did accept telling one paramedic “I’ve got your reg” and admitted swearing repeatedly throughout the incident.

Mr Warner said the CPS had discussed Anderson’s version of events with the paramedics involved who were content for the trial to be avoided.

Gary Heaven, defending, said he doubted whether the case would have ended up in court if a neighbour had not filmed it on her mobile phone.

He said: “The importance here is to emphasise the fact that although he accepts his conduct was repugnant, it was never intended to either interfere with or give offence to those who were carrying out their public service in their proper fashion.”

Mr Heaven said his client’s “life had changed” after the video captured by the bystander was posted on social media.

He told the court: “Almost immediately this man found himself facing, it is almost astounding to say, a barrage of abuse from people he had never met, from all over.

“Much of that abuse included death threats. It came to involve his family, including his daughter of school age. In addition to that there was the collapse of his business, he was a painter and decorator but has not worked for several months now...

“He has suffered gravely beyond what ought to have been the case in relation to a petulant and abusive incident that lasted a matter of seconds.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until March 20 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

After the video of the incident was widely shared online, bosses at the ambulance service released a statement criticising Anderson’s selfish actions.

A spokesperson said: “This man needs to ask how himself how he would feel if it was his grandparent, mum, dad or child that we were treating, would he be happy that we waste precious time searching for a better parking space?

“Our staff work day and night to save lives and do not deserve abuse from anyone for something as trivial as blocking a minor road.

“What was a minor inconvenience for him was a traumatic time for this patient and if he would like to get in touch so we can explain how every second counts when saving a life, we would be happy to arrange this.”

In a statement released before the court case, Anderson told the Echo: “He said: “My use of language was not acceptable and I understand and apologise for this.

“The NHS do an amazing job and I have never faulted them in any way. I have the upmost respect for them and I understand the need to park where she did - I just wish that I hadn’t reacted in the way I had.”