A wheel clamper immobilised vehicles in Clifton and Kingsdown without permission – including one belonging to the owner of a parking space he targeted, a court heard.

Peter May, 36 of Hamp Brook Way, Bridgwater, denies three charges, that he falsely claimed he was allowed to clamp vehicles for financial gain, at one address in Clifton and another in Cotham, between February 28 and March 27 this year.

A fourth similar charge relating to an address in Bedminster was withdrawn.

Bristol magistrates dismissed two more – that he immobilised vehicles without a licence – on the grounds there was no case to answer.

Kevin Withey, prosecuting, told the court that while working for Able Parking Security Ltd, the defendant had put up signs at private land sites threatening clamping without the landowners' permission.

The two locations were Kings Road in Clifton, owned by David Bell, and Highbury Villas, Kingsdown, owned by Austin Boyle, both of whom gave evidence.

Mr Withey said: "It's accepted that vehicles were parked and clamped or towed and a fee was paid. The issue is that vehicles were parked on land owned by individuals who had not given permission.

"Following complaints from people who had been clamped or towed, the police and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) launched a joint investigation and spoke to the defendant. He said he had permission from the landowners to clamp or tow – the Crown says that is not right.

"The defendant was issued with a licence by the SIA but it was only valid between March 5, 2007 and March 5, 2008. The charges took place outside these dates."

The Kings Road land is behind a row of half a dozen shops used by the staff and land owner Mr Bell, who has the right to park there.

But Mr Bell himself ended up being clamped by the defendant on one occasion.

He said: "I was aware there were some signs relating to parking arrangements. We inherited them and left them in place. I didn't have any direct contact with Able Parking until I was clamped."

Brian Carrick, defending, said: "In February you were clamped, that was when you met Mr May. The misunderstanding was resolved."

Mr Carrick suggested to both landowners that they had deliberately distanced themselves from the clampers because they had been warned by police they could be liable for prosecution if illegal clamping was taking place.

Lisa Nazareth of the SIA gave evidence relating to the date of the defendant's clamping licence. She told the court Mr May had not applied to renew his licence ahead of the expiry date in March this year, but admitted the organisation had failed to send out a renewal reminder as would normally be the case.

The case continues at Bristol Magistrates.