Chesterfield magistrates were told last Wednesday that a Transit van driven by Anthony Lacey-Hatton (28) pulled in front of Robert Sweetmore's van at a junction on Hilcote Lane, Blackwell.

Prosecutor John Cooper said: "Mr Sweetmore said there was almost a collision. He had to drive onto the opposite side of the road and finished up in front of the Transit van."

Lacey-Hatton appeared to be angry and drove very close to the rear of the other vehicle. Mr Sweetmore felt nervous and pulled over and Lacey-Hatton stopped and confronted him.

"The defendant was aggressive and was waving his arms around. Mr Sweetmore explained that the defendant was in the wrong and the defendant replied: 'Didn't you see me? I'm a white van man'," said Mr Cooper.

Lacey-Hatton grabbed Mr Sweetmore's arm and rocked his van. A workmate got out of the Transit and Lacey-Hatton returned to his vehicle.

Mr Sweetmore told police he drove off and Lacey-Hatton again followed closely behind, flashing the Transit headlights.

The court was told Mr Sweetmore stopped and was again confronted by Lacey-Hatton, who was trying to start a fight.

Mr Cooper said: "He says the defendant grabbed his throat and then let go and punched him in the face. Mr Sweetmore says: 'He grabbed my keys and threw them across the road and then he kicked my van'."

Lacey-Hatton, of King Street, admitted assault and causing £150 damage to a vehicle on 5th May. He had previous convictions for violence, damage and disorder.

But magistrates adjourned sentence for a mini-trial to decide what exactly happened after Lacey-Hatton disputed the prosecution version of the assault.

They said the outcome of the 1st September hearing would affect the sentence and custody was possible.
In mitigation, Matthew Evans said Lacey-Hatton accepted grabbing the complainant's clothes and pushing him but denied punching him.

Mr Evans said the Transit had pulled in front of the other van at a safe distance. The complainant then overtook the Transit and made a hand gesture at Lacey-Hatton before slowing down to 15mph.

The Transit overtook the other vehicle, which came up close behind it with flashing lights, and Lacey-Hatton pulled over.

"He accepts walking to the vehicle aggressively. The complainant got out and was pushed back into his vehicle and the door was closed behind him," said Mr Evans.

"The complainant drove past him, narrowly missing him, and stopped. Mr Lacey-Hatton kicked the vehicle at this point, reached inside and grabbed the keys and threw them away, saying: 'You can't do anything now', and drove off."