Motorist faces prison after road rage attack (From Warrington Guardian)

Motorist faces prison after road rage attack

A MAN faces jail after pursuing a fellow driver and assaulting him in front of the victim's 12-year-old grandson during a road rage attack.

A judge warned 43-year-old Robert Hatton, of Chester Road, Walton, that he is likely to go to prison for the assault on North Wales man Harold Spencer.

The court heard that during the road rage incident Hatton leaned into Mr Spencer's car and grabbed the wheel, making the vehicle lurch forward into the car in front.

Hatton grabbed Mr Spencer by the throat and punched him on the shoulder. Mr Spencer was taken to Warrington Hospital with reddening to his neck and his grandson was left very shaken.

District Judge Philip Dodd said: "Your behaviour was extraordinary. There is enough violence and anger on the roads without people resorting to this."

Simon Rodgers, prosecuting, said the incident occurred at 4.40pm on August 14, when Mr Spencer was driving back to Wales.

When Mr Spencer reached Brian Bevan Island, Wilderspool, he saw a silver car beside him with the driver beeping the horn and waving his fist.

Mr Rodgers said Hatton had got out of his car and approached Mr Spencer's vehicle when they were held up by road works.

Hatton appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to a charge of assault.

The hearing was adjourned for sentencing until February 25.

John Banasko, representing Hatton, said Mr Spencer had nearly caused a collision at Brian Bevan Island and his client had taken hold of Mr Spencer's steering wheel to stop him driving off.

But Mr Banasko accepted that Hatton's behaviour had been reckless.