Ballymena motorist caused collision and then put female driver in fear of assault, court hears
A 76-year-old motorist caused a collision and then put a female driver in fear of assault in a road rage incident, a court has heard.
Matthew McQuaide, of Herbison Park, Ballymena, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and a second charge - assault - in relation to the Larne Road Link area of the town on July 30 last year.
A prosecutor told Ballymena Magistrates' Court the defendant caused a collision with a woman's vehicle at a roundabout at the Crebilly Road junction.
The defendant then got out and was shouting and aggressive towards the female motorist, who was believed to be aged in her 30s, the court was told.
She tried to put her window up "because she was worried about his aggression" but he stopped her from doing that and put her in fear.
Two members of the public stopped to check if she was OK, the court was told.
The defendant had then left the scene and police spoke to him at his address.
The court was told he had a clear record.
A defence solicitor said it was a "technical assault".
He said the defendant accepts shouting at the woman but said it was never his intention to put her in fear and he wished to apologise.
The solicitor said the defendant has hearing difficulties and "perhaps raised his voice somewhat loudly".
The defendant was given six penalty points; was fined £350; and was ordered to pay £250 compensation to the other driver.