A motorist who refused to stop for a flock of sheep, forcing two farmers to jump clear and breaking an animal’s leg, has been convicted of dangerous driving.

A judge warned Nigel Walton he will almost certainly go to prison.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court found Walton, 48, of Random Close, Keighley, guilty on Tuesday.

After the unanimous verdict, Recorder of Bradford Judge Stephen Gullick told the panel Walton was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in 1995.

Judge Gullick said to Walton: “The overwhelming probability is that you will go to prison.”

Sentence was adjourned until September 30 for the preparation of a probation service report. The judge imposed an interim driving disqualification on Walton pending the next court hearing.

During the trial, prosecutor Chris Smith said Walton was “aggressive and impatient” when he encountered the farmers and their sheep on the on the B6160 at Cray, Wharfedale, in September last year.

Mr Smith said Walton lost his temper and refused to wait while the flock was moved across the road at Kidstone Bank.

Walton, who runs a family petrol station business, forced farmers John and Christopher Akrigg to jump clear of his Ford Fiesta, Mr Smith said.

After driving through the flock, breaking a sheep’s leg, Walton was said to have reversed into the farmers’ quad bike.

Walton drove to Skipton Police Station and reported the farmers for attacking his vehicle.

He told the jury he had driven along the road for 20 years, using it up to ten times a week. He said it was a fine day and he was in no hurry.

He said he stopped in the road and John Akrigg said he was moving sheep and to stay there.

Walton said he told Mr Akrigg he would pass the sheep carefully.

He said he edged the car forward but Mr Akrigg put his hands on the bonnet and kicked the door.

As he drove at five or six miles an hour, Christopher Akrigg banged his car roof and he acted in sheer panic to get away.