Road rage attack

Aug 15 2008 by Our Correspondant, Dumfries Standard Friday

A MOTORIST overtaking a van on the A701 Dumfries to Beattock road recognised the driver as a man he claimed was seeing his estranged wife, it was stated at Dumfries Sheriff Court.

Forty-seven-year-old Colin Ferguson braked abruptly causing the other driver to take evasive action and then overtook again and took to the middle of the road resulting in both vehicles coming to a halt.

Depute procurator fiscal Joe Macpherson said that Ferguson then stepped out and smashed a side window of the van and punched the other man on the head three times before getting into his car and driving off.

Solicitor Arnold Brazenall said that although Ferguson and his wife separated in February 2006, they had a short unsuccessful reconciliation.

This was completely out of character for him and he was simply overwhelmed by his feeling.

Ferguson, of Wellington Avenue, Heathhall, admitted driving carelessly near Courance in July, breaking the offside window of the van and assaulting Douglas Coupar.

Sheriff Kenneth Barr ordered Ferguson to carry out 200 hours community service, fined him £500 and banned him from driving for three months.

He also ordered him to pay compensation of £90.