A MOTORIST who confronted a pensioner on the M6 after causing both their vehicles to stop in the middle lane has been spared jail.
Scott Davison’s Ford Transit was seen “always in lane two” of the northbound carriageway near Penrith on the afternoon of November 22 last year by Mazda driver Douglas Ball. Mr Ball, a licence holder for 54 years, considered himself “experienced and safe”.
As Mr Ball left lane one to overtake a slower-moving vehicle close to Southwaite services, 42-year-old electrician Davison “suddenly pulled past him”, Carlisle Crown Court heard today (THURS), before swerving directly in front of the Mazda and slamming his brakes on.
That forced Mr Ball to make an emergency stop, leaving both vehicles stationary in the middle lane. Despite other traffic travelling past, Davison ran towards the Mazda, opened the driver’s door and shouted towards Mr Ball. One passing vehicle then struck the door, narrowly missing Davison “by inches”. “Mr Davison is described as really lucky because he must have been within inches of being killed,” said prosecutor Gerard Rogerson. Davison returned to his van and drove to the hard shoulder where both drivers exchanged details.
Mr Ball was left “physically shaking”, and Mr Rogerson said of the incident: “Mr Ball describes it as an act of unforgivable stupidity, and it seemed that road rage had got the better of Mr Davison.”
Davison, of Low Grange Avenue, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, admitted dangerous driving. The dad-of-one, a man of previous good character, was spared immediate prison after James Howard, defending, put forward “strong personal mitigation” and character references for the “hard-working, family orientated man”.
An eight-month jail term was suspended for a year. Davison must complete 150 hours unpaid work, a three-month night-time curfew, a 12-month driving ban and pass an extended re-test.
Judge David Potter told Davison: “This was an incredibly stupid piece of highly dangerous driving that put you, Mr Ball and other road users at risk of serious injury or death.
“You have come, I must say, within a whisker of immediate custody.”
