A 32-YEAR-OLD man appeared before York Crown Court today facing three charges of criminally damaging police vehicles with intent to endanger the lives of officers inside them.

Ian Robert Leaper, of George Terrace, Barlby, is also accused of dangerous driving and aggravated taking of a mechanical digger without consent.

He is alleged to have hit the police vehicles with the digger on the A19 north-bound near Barlby on the evening of March 23.

York Crown Court heard that he was expected to deny the offences.

Leaper's case was adjourned to a plea and direction hearing on June 2, and he was remanded in custody.

Updated: 14:41 Monday, March 31, 2003