A road rage driver has been ordered to pay compensation to an elderly couple after he “lost his cool” on a busy Kinross-shire road.
Web designer Callum Fletcher snapped after being honked at by a 78-year-old motorist on the A977, near Blairingone.
Fletcher, 35, slammed on his brakes, before getting out and launching into a foul-mouthed tirade against the driver and his 75-year-old wife.
The former café owner, who was working as a delivery driver at the time, booted the terrified couple’s car before walking off.
The couple, Henry and Eileen Allan, were so distraught they returned home and called the police.
Fletcher, of Main Street, Newhills, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted careless driving on the A977 Kinross to Dollar road on February 16.
He also admitted a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, likely to cause fear or alarm.
Couple were ‘extremely distressed’
Fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston told the court: “On this day, Irene and Henry Allan left their home and were travelling along the A977.
“The accused performed an overtake manoeuvre past them.
“They did not particularly agree with this and started beeping their horn at the accused’s vehicle.”
The prosecutor said: “The accused applied his brakes and stopped suddenly in the middle of the road.
“This mean that Mr Allan had to brake sharply in order to avoid a collision.”
Both vehicles stopped and Fletcher got out and walked towards the Allan’s car.
“He approached the passenger side,” said Ms Kynaston.
“He was shouting loudly at the driver and the passenger.”
Fletcher repeatedly ranted: “What’s up with you c***s? What is it with you c***s?”
“Both witnesses were extremely distressed by the accused’s conduct.
“The accused then kicked the passenger door.
“The Allans abandoned their journey, because they were too shaken up to continue.
“They returned home and contacted the police, passing on a description of the accused and his registration plate.”
Under considerable stress
The court heard Fletcher left a scrape mark on the car door – about £50 worth of damage.
When arrested, Fletcher told officers: “I would refute the fact that he had to brake sharply. I don’t think I was causing a danger.”
He added: “I don’t think I damaged the car. I think that’s an exaggeration.”
Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said: “On this day, Mr Fletcher was driving along the road, when the couple pulled out into his path and he was required to overtake them.
“As he continued on, he saw flashing lights and heard a honking horn behind him.
“This persisted until he stopped his car and got out.”
Mr Holmes said: “He was upset and clearly he lost his cool.
“He put this down to being under considerable stress.
“As a result of this he has sought a different occupation.
“This was very much an isolated incident.”
Sheriff Gillian Wade told Fletcher: “Your behaviour was clearly unacceptable.
“This had a significant impact on two elderly people.
“No matter what you thought of the way they behaved, the way you behaved was significantly worse.”
Fletcher was fined £540 and had eight points added to his licence.
He was ordered to pay the Allans £270 compensation.
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