A SHERIFF branded a controversial lawyer "not credible" as she cleared a woman of racially abusing him and his wife.

Aamer and Ifet Anwar accused office manager Lorraine Ferrie of taunting them after a car crash.

The couple told a trial they were shocked when, after the collision, Miss Ferrie said: "What is it with all you Pakistanis sticking together?"

The 36-year-old denied the comment was racist and claimed Mr Anwar replied to her: "Just like you white people."

Miss Ferrie broke down in tears yesterday when Sheriff Charlotte Coutts QC acquitted her of a racially aggravated breach of the peace.

Glasgow Sheriff Court earlier heard Mrs Anwar bumped into Miss Ferrie's car in Wallace Street, Gorbals, in August 2006.

Mrs Anwar, 29, a commercial property solicitor, claimed she was "scared" when she saw Ferrie giving her the V-sign and called her husband.

Mr Anwar arrived and the couple chatted with an Asian woman they claim saw the crash before Miss Ferrie made the comment. Mr Anwar called police and Miss Ferrie, of Bressay Road, Cambuslang, was arrested.

Mrs Anwar told the trial: "I was insulted by the abusive comment."

Miss Ferrie said the collision was Mrs Anwar's fault and a "childish" argument developed. When Mr Anwar turned up, she claims he took photos of her and her car.

Miss Ferrie added: "When I saw them talking I believed he (Mr Anwar) was telling the ladies what to say when the police arrived.

"I said: What is this? All Pakistanis sticking together?' He replied: Yes, just like all you white people'."

Her advocate Mark Moir said it was just a "factual observation" and Mr Anwar was trying to "play the race card".

Sheriff Coutts said: "There were certain aspects in which Mr and Mrs Anwar were not credible. I find Miss Ferrie a reliable witness and where her story was not consistent to that given by the Anwars, I preferred her evidence."