Shropshire road rage driver jumped up and down on car roof

Richard Phillips, from Much Wenlock, drove his Toyota Aygo "erratically" on the A49, between Ludlow and Hereford, and caused other vehicles to brake to avoid a collision, Telford Magistrates Court heard.

Ms Abigail Hall, prosecuting, said the 29-year-old had been seen flashing his lights and swerving behind a Nissan car near Ludlow on April 19.

She told the court that when the Nissan pulled into a lay-by, Phillips also stopped his car and got out.

Ms Hall said he walked up to the Nissan with his fists raised, climbed onto the vehicle and began jumping up and down on the roof.

After returning to his car, Phillips swerved in front of another vehicle and caused the driver to brake to prevent a collision.

Ms Hall said: "As they approach Hereford, he states the defendant tried to overtake four vehicles and a lorry which forced other vehicles to brake."

She said Phillips was also seen to swerve close to a cyclist.

An officer in a police car attempted to stop Phillips by putting on blue lights.

Ms Hall said he looked at the officer and smiled before continuing.

Phillips finally came to a stop when he reached stationary traffic in Hereford.

The court was told he initially refused to open the car door and to get out of the vehicle.

Ms Hall told magistrates: "He was cautioned to which he replied 'Where's the judge?'"

She said the Nissan had a dent on the bonnet which the owner estimated would cost £500 to repair.

The court heard that when Phillips was interviewed by police he accepted causing damage to the Nissan, but did not give a reason for his behaviour.

Ms Hall said he accepted driving in an aggressive way.

She added: "He stated he could recall seeing police blue lights but was unsure whether it was for him."

Phillips, of High Street, Much Wenlock, admitted criminal damage to the Nissan, driving without due care and attention and failing to stop for police, during the hearing at Telford Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Phillips, representing himself, told magistrates: "I'm guilty of the charges."

He also told the court he worked as a builder.

Sentencing Phillips, chair of the bench of magistrates, Mr Geoff Bailey told him: "Your actions on that day were very foolish and in our opinion almost bordered on dangerous driving."

Phillips was given a £170 fine for each of the three charges.

He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation, £135 costs, £30 victim surcharge and given five penalty points on his driving licence.