A farmer told a fellow motorist to “get off the bloody road” after clipping his car on a tight section of north Lakeland road.
Robin Taylforth, 62, turned “aggressive” and left the scene after a minor collision between his Toyota Hilux and another vehicle in Patterdale on April 4.
Prosecutor Andy Travis told Carlisle magistrates’ court the other motorist was passing through the village at around 4.40pm with his partner, heading towards Kirkstone Pass.
He reached a narrow stretch of road close to the White Lion Inn and saw the pick-up with a trailer coming towards him “fast”, although he didn’t believe above the speed limit.
The man pulled into the left-hand side seeking to avoid a collision. But, said Mr Travis, “the vehicle was too large and, therefore, unable to”.
The pick-up made contact with a wheel arch of the man’s car and caused a scratch to the rear bumper. During a brief exchange after the incident the man told Taylforth, of Side Farm, Patterdale, he had struck his vehicle, to which the farmer replied: “No I haven’t.”
“Throughout this, the pick-up driver was aggressive, shouting ‘get off the bloody road’, and swearing at me,” the man stated. When told the police would be contacted, Taylforth replied “call them”, and drove off.
The man flagged down a passing police vehicle and the matter was reported. When questioned, Taylforth said he didn’t think there was a collision, nor any damage caused. He admitted a charge of failing to stop after an accident and provide his name and address.
Chris Toms, defending, told the court Taylforth’s association with his farm stretched back to the 1960s. He also carried out mobile sheep screening for pregnancy, which now accounted for around half of his work.
“Obviously any disqualification would effectively finish his business,” said Mr Toms, who added of the collision: “It does appear it was relatively minor contact. He was bad-mannered. His main concern was he had live animals in the trailer.”
After he unloaded, Taylforth discussed with his wife whether he should contact the police and decided not to. Magistrates imposed seven penalty points, fined Taylforth £900 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £90 surcharge.
