A MAN with a fear of dogs was ‘acting in self-defence’ when he pushed another man which led to him falling into a canal during a disagreement about a canine’s behaviour.

Michael Norton, 66, of Bay Road, Bracknell, was found not guilty of the assault by beating of Harry Page, 61, by shoving him in to the Basingstoke Canal in Odiham on December 7, 2016, during a trial at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday, August 11.

The court heard how the two men and Richard Woodrow, 66, a friend of Mr Norton, had a disagreement over Mr Page’s chocolate Labrador, which was claimed to be “barking, snarling and acting aggressively” towards the pair of 66-year-olds.

While giving evidence in court, Mr Norton said he had been attacked by a chocolate Labrador previously and as a result, had a fear of dogs.

Mr Page claimed the defendant had deliberately pushed him into the canal after coming forward to restrain his dog, but Mr Norton insisted he pushed his arms out because he thought Mr Page was walking “smartly and aggressively” towards him and he was acting in self-defence, causing Mr Page to fall.

Following the incident, Mr Norton walked away and Mr Page confronted Mr Woodrow demanding to know their names so they could be reported to the police. However, the court heard that Mr Woodrow gave false names and continued walking.

Mr Norton said: “I just wanted to get away from the dogs and this aggressive, awful man.”

The court heard how Mr Page pursued the two men and got his son to drive to a bridge over the canal to stop them from leaving. It was at this point the police were called.

Miss Reed, defending Mr Norton, said: “We can split hairs over this case and question whether the dog was aggressive or not, but the facts are, Mr Norton has explained that he thought the dog was out of control and he was scared.”

Mr Norton also pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal damage after causing £222.66 worth of damage to a £4,000 Leica camera Mr Page had strapped to his waist at the time.

Magistrates acquitted Mr Norton of both charges, believing Mr Norton acted in self-defence after feeling threatened by the dog.