A police officer found guilty of assaulting a motorist at Appleby horse fair will have his appeal against the conviction heard in September.

Lindsay Clark, 53, denied a common assault charge which arose out of an incident at the historic travellers' gathering in June last year.

But following a magistrates' court trial in May, Clark was found guilty by a district judge of assaulting motorist Karen Maskall.

The district judge heard that Clark had dislocated Ms Maskall's finger, causing extensive tissue damage. It was said a row broke out between the pair after Ms Maskall stopped in a no-parking zone in Appleby.

Clark, of Howgill Close, Bolton Low Houses, near Wigton, claimed he swatted an object away during the incident but did not believe it was a finger.

He was ordered to complete 180 hours' community service, pay £300 compensation and court costs.

However, today Clark appeared at Carlisle Crown Court, where it emerged he had lodged an appeal against his conviction. This will take place before a judge at the crown court on September 20.

It was also confirmed during today's short hearing that Clark is "still in service" as a police officer.