Alfreton kitchen fitter terrifies fellow motorist with power tool during road rage row

Brian Sutcliffe, 61, was seen approaching his scared victim’s BMW with the machinery while shouting “I’ll cut it up in a minute”.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how Sutcliffe’s van was seen “blocking” the road after he butted heads with a fellow motorist over a well known “pinch-point”.

He was described as approaching victim Adrian Bamford while “shouting and swearing”, saying “you BMW-driving w***** - I’ve got the right of way”.

Prosecutor Darren Young said Sutcliffe also yelled “I’ll smash your f****** head in”.

Mr Bamford - “fearing for his safety” - stayed in his car however Sutcliffe then got back in his van and pulled it further forward - forcing the terrified driver to reverse quickly and speed away.

An onlooker who witnessed the scene described it as “disturbing”.

Sutcliffe’s solicitor Ben Strelley said his client’s version of what happened during the incident – at Ripley’s Church Street on August 8 last year – was “slightly different”.

He said: “This is a pinch-point in the road which has been an issue for some time - Mr Sutcliffe says he was sure it was his right of way.

“He says Mr Bamford sped up towards his vehicle and says the BMW driver made some hand gestures - but he accepts he saw the red mist and is responsible for his behaviour.

“Looking back now he wishes he had handled the situation differently but to be fair to the complainant there has not been a lasting impact.”

Mr Strelley added that “sometimes cars seem to bring out the worst in people”.

He said: “This brought out the worst in him that day and he regrets it now, looking back.”

The court heard that Sutcliffe had six previous convictions - including dishonesty offences - however he had not been in trouble since 2007.

A magistrate told him: “There is an aggravating feature - you brought out a power tool of some description.”

Sutcliffe, of Preston Avenue, Alfreton, admitted threatening behaviour and was fined £500, given court costs of £85 and a £50 victim surcharge.

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