Driver put at ‘terrible risk’ due to road rage

1:25pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

A MOTORIST endured a terrifying journey due to the antics of a drink-driving businessman, a court was told.

Haulage company boss David Bowes put the other driver at "terrible risk" as he drove along several miles of roads in County Durham.

Bowes was at the wheel of a BMW, initially traveling at only 10 to 15mph, when a Ford Fiesta approached, in Langley Park, on November 2.

The Fiesta overtook, but, moving into a 60mph section of the A691, the BMW tailgated it, with headlights on full beam.

Steven Orange, prosecuting, said the driver slowed to allow the following car to pass, but having done so it then braked sharply, forcing the Fiesta to swerve and skid.

Mr Orange said the BMW slowed again, and the concerned Fiesta driver rang police, passing on its registration number.

The BMW appeared to park, in Sacriston, so the Fiesta continued, driving past.

But, Mr Orange said, the BMW started up again and overtook, forcing the Fiesta off the road at Edmondsley, damaging its wing mirror.

The BMW sped off into the darkness, said Mr Orange.

Police later called at Bowes' address, in Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, and he denied involvement, and said he had two pints of beer on his way home from work before drinking on his return.

A breath test showed 84mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, compared to the legal limit of 35.

Bowes, 47, admitted dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol, on the basis that the reading would have been nearer 43, on "countback".

Stephen Thornton, mitigting, told the court: "He accepts this was complete and utter madness.

It's completely out of character.

"At the time, he was stressed at work and was being treated for an illness.

"It's to everyone's good fortune no one was hurt."

Mr Thornton added that Bowes was incredibly remorseful and was unable to explain his actions that night.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, during which time he must undergo probation supervision.

Judge Richard Lowden told him: "An innocent driver was the victim in this road rage incident.

You put him at terrible risk."

Bowes was also ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £750 costs and was banned from driving for 18 months.

Editor's Choice