A ROAD-rage incident near Aberystwyth ended in court.

David Hammond, 39, admitted assault by threats towards the other driver after he launched a foul-mouthed rant at him before pulling the other man’s car door open and swinging a punch that missed on 24 March.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the trouble flared on the A44 when Hammond, of Penporth, Church Street in Rhayader, had initially tried to overtake two cars in his van, but had been forced to pull in because of oncoming traffic.

However, shortly afterwards Hammond did overtake the two cars, but then braked sharply and stopped, leading to the car behind him stopping as well.

Hammond then got out of his car and walked toward the other car shouting abuse and swearing.

Ms Tench said he then grabbed the door and opened it before swinging a punch at the other driver, but did not make contact.

Ms Tench said that Hammond’s wife then got out of his van and tried to calm him down and pull him away, saying that she was sorry for the incident.

After his arrest Hammond said that the other driver had attacked him by kicking him after he went to “have a word” after he stopped the car.

He insisted that he had been trying to overtake and as he did so the other motorist “veered” across the road in an attempt to stop him.

Defence solicitor Alison Mathias said Hammond accepted he had made threats and swung a punch, saying that he was annoyed after he had tried to overtake as he felt the move by the other driver had been dangerous and his wife and children were in his van.

She said Hammond had initially approached the other driver, but had started to walk away when the other motorist made a comment which led to Hammond going back, grabbing the door and trying to punch the man.

Hammond had been left “embarrassed” and apologetic following the incident, which Ms Mathias said could be considered a “road rage” incident.

Hammond was given a six-month conditional discharge. He will also pay costs of £100.