STRICTLY star Ricky Whittle "knocked a photographer down in frustration", a court heard today.
The former Hollyoaks actor, 30, is standing trial for allegedly knocking down Steve Farrell with his Red American Dodge car in Liverpool in November last year.
Ricky had been partying with pals and former girlfriend Carley Stenson at a bash for the teen soap at Parr Street Studios when the incident occurred.
Ricky was "working hard and in no mood for the paparazzi to take photographs of him and Miss Stenson together", said prosecutor Paul Becker at Liverpool Crown Court.
The actor was said to have agreed to pick up Carley and her friend as they emerged from the bash after he'd tried to lose the photographers.
But the snappers followed him and Mr Farrell started taking pictures, the jury heard.
He was said to be next to Ricky's left-hand drive Dodge, but not blocking it, when the car suddenly veered to the left and smashed into him.
CCTV footage of the incident was played in court.
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Strutting his stuff ... Ricky with dance partner Natalie Lowe
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The prosecutor added: "The prosecution's case is that the defendant, irritated by the presence of the paparazzi, had deliberately turned his wheel to the left in order to vent his frustration towards Mr Farrell.
"He deliberately turned his wheel to the left, knocking Mr Farrell to the ground."
The victim sprained his knee and hurt his hand and was treated at hospital.
Carley then phoned a photographer friend to find out what happened and found out that Mr Farrell had called the police.
Prosecutor Mr Becker later added that Ricky should have to face the drawbacks of a celebrity lifestyle, including being photographed.
He added: "This intrusive behaviour, you may think, will often cause great irritation to a celebrity. However, without the photographs, there would be no glossy magazines for members of the public to buy each week."
When the snapper was cross examined by the Strictly star's barrister, Stuart Driver QC, he said: "With celebrities, it's a game. That's what it is."
He then said he heard the engine revving before being thrown to the kerb.
Mr Farrell, who was punched in the face by Gazza in 2005, said Ricky had been professional and calm all the other times they'd run into each other.
He also said he would have stopped taking pictures if Ricky had asked him to, as he'd once agreed not to sell images of Hollyoaks stars drunk and covered in vomit.
The Strictly star went to St Helens Police Station voluntarily after the incident.
He denies dangerous driving.
The trial continues.
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