Former Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik turned out to support a man who has become the first in Britain to be prosecuted for using a Segway on a pavement - by arriving on one of the scooters.

In an ironic twist Mr Opik came zipping down the road on his trusty two-wheeler to stand by Phillip Coates as he appeared in front of magistrates for riding just such a contraption.

Phillip delivered a plea of not guilty on Friday at Barnsley Magistrates Court, South Yorks., to the charge of driving a motor vehicle on the pavement.

Speaking after the short hearing, Mr Opik said he had pointedly ridden his on both the pavement and the road to put himself in a position to take the "legal heat" but nothing had been done.

The former Cheeky Girl arm candy also admitted that he was slightly jealous of Phillip's attention.

The distinctive scooters are all the rage in America and 51-year-old Philip bought one for 5,000 pounds after becoming hooked on them while on holiday in Florida.