A MOTORIST has been jailed after a road rage incident in which a witness was chased along a cycle path and knocked off his bike.

Following the collision Martin Collier got out of his car and “berated” the cyclist as he lay injured on the ground, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Ian Williamson’s bike was wrecked in the crash, which also caused extensive damage to other equipment.

Collier lost his temper after the car in front of him stopped at a roundabout to make way for an ambulance, the court heard.

 

Richard Wayman, prosecuting, said Collier tailgated the car before overtaking it and swerving in front of the vehicle, forcing the driver to brake sharply.

His actions were witnessed by Mr Williamson, who became involved in a “verbal altercation” with the defendant.

Mr Wayman said the cyclist left the road and began cycling along a neighbouring path.

He added: “Collier followed the cyclist, mounting the pavement and pursuing him to the point where he was knocked off his bike.

“Collier got out of his vehicle and appears to have berated the cyclist, who was on the ground.”

Mr Wayman said Mr Williamson suffered grazes to his leg and elbow in the collision, which also caused £675 of damage to his bike and equipment.

Collier, 55, of Portsmouth Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously in Coxford Road, Southampton, on March 29.

Graham Gilbert, in mitigation, said: “It was stupid, reckless and something the defendant is truly embarrassed to have done.

“If the cyclist and the other car driver were in court today he would apologise to them face to face.”

Describing his client’s behaviour as out of character Mr Gilbert cited references submitted to the court in which people described him as “calm, rational and reasonable”.

He added: “He has asked me to underscore the level of remorse he feels.”

Recorder Patrick Clarkson told the defendant: “You disapproved of someone else’s driving and behaved aggressively, which was witnessed by a cyclist and a van

 

Recorder Patrick Clarkson told the defendant: “You disapproved of someone else’s driving and behaved aggressively, which was witnessed by a cyclist and a van driver.

“The cyclist slapped your wing mirror.

“You followed him along a cycle path and knocked him off his bike. He was lucky not to have been more severely injured.”

Collier was jailed for four months and banned from driving for 18 months, after which he must take a retest. He was also told to pay a £115 victim services surcharge.