Magherafelt man grabbed motorist by the face in car park road rage incident

Gary Shields (22), of Derramore Court, Magherafelt, was also ordered to carry out 40 hours of community service and pay the injured party £100 compensation.

Judge Alan White remarked that he took a “serious view of road rage” incidents when matters could be sorted out in a civilised manner.

The court heard Shields allegedly punched the injured party and grabbed him round the neck through the open window of his car after accusing him of driving into the back of his car at Union Road car park, Magherafelt, on the night of June 11 last.

A prosecuting lawyer said when interviewed later by police Shields denied punching the defendant, claiming he had reached into the car and grabbed him by the face.

She said there were no visible injuries to the injured party.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton emphasised that Shields had no previous convictions for violence.

Mr Atherton explained there had been an incident a couple of nights before involving the parties, but the truth of what happened on this occasion “probably lies between the accounts of both parties.”

He said the pre-sentence report indicated there was a very low risk of the defendant re-offending.