Road rage driver revved engine at young horse riders

A ROAD rage driver who revved his engine at young horse riders and hurled abuse at joggers has been given a suspended jail term.

Philip Lloyd was off his medication for depression when he ranted at people using his narrow lane, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Lloyd, 48, of Worlebury Hill Road, Weston-super-Mare, pleaded guilty to careless driving and using threatening words and behaviour.

The Recorder of Bristol Judge Neil Ford gave him a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

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He was also told to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work and five penalty points was put on his driving licence.

The judge told him: "I was considering immediate imprisonment.

"But your conduct on a recent community order is described as exemplary. You had mental health problems. At the time you were not taking appropriate medication for long-standing depression and you have sought appropriate help."

The court heard that, due to his mental health, in April last year the DVLA suspended his driving licence.

Stephen Dent, prosecuting, said it was lunchtime on January 18 last year when Lesley Skinner, Michelle Richardson and their 12-year-old daughters in front were riding single file on Worlebury Hill Road.

Mr Dent said cars were parked on the right-hand side, so there was no room for drivers to pass.

He told the court: "The defendant, in a grey Peugeot 406, came up behind them and he tried to squeeze through the gap. That was difficult and he was nudging up against the horses of the older women and revving his engine.

"Michelle asked him what he wanted to do and he made a V-sign and swore at her."

Mr Dent said the driver managed to drive into the gap separating the two pairs of horses, when a couple out jogging came across the scene and remonstrated with him.

"He became even angrier, shouting at the joggers," Mr Dent said.

With that Lloyd revved his engine and accelerated towards the two younger riders, the court heard.

The mothers shouted for their daughters to ride off the road, they did so, and Lloyd's car missed them by feet, Mr Dent said.

Lloyd then jammed on his brakes , and screamed at the terrified children.

Mr Dent said: "The defendant went to his house but came back out and stood there, facing the ladies on horses, ranting and raving.

"The police were called and his registration number was handed over. He was arrested 11 days later."

The court heard he had 49 convictions for 134 offences including two for dangerous driving and a plethora for assaults, threatening behaviour and criminal damage.

Paul Light, defending, said his client had had mental health problems.

He said Lloyd was now proud that his offending had massively declined and he was more stable and supported by a partner and mental health nurse.