Disabled driver David Rickards leaped out of his three-wheeler car in a rage and headbutted a pensioner on the pavement.

The 45-year-old orange badge-holder was furious that Frank Terrell, 69, banged on his "pride and joy" as he drove over a road hump. But then he felt so bad that he drove straight to a police station and gave himself up.

Rickards, of Bourton Close, Witney, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on June 20. He left the pensioner needing 16 stitches and with damaged specs.

Sarah Shears, prosecuting, said Mr Terrell was walking his two Yorkshire terriers in the town's High Street on a busy Saturday afternoon.

"He is a retired bus driver and, as he was waiting to cross outside Boots, he recognised the driver of a bus coming towards him. The driver stopped and he began to cross.

"Just then a Reliant three-wheeler came on the outside of the bus, overtaking it. Mr Terrell shouted at the driver and banged on his car," said Mrs Shears. "The defendant responded by stopping and telling him, 'That's going to cost you a smack in the mouth'."

Jobless Rickards then drove straight to the town's police station to confess.

Defending, Vicki Evans said Rickards had a history of mental illness, adding: "Because of his disabilities he does not have many friends. He views his car as his friend. He saw red. It was as if someone had assaulted him."

Neighbour Sheila Cuss told magistrates how Rickards helped other people, including an elderly pensioner and a blind man. He was given a conditional discharge for a year and ordered to pay compensation of £100 for the injuries and £149 for the specs. Magistrates' chairman Sheila Kay told him: "Normally an assault involving a headbutt would involve a custodial sentence, but We accept that you are trying to get your life on an even keel."

Rickards said: "I know I've done wrong and I am sorry for what happened." He said he saved up for his Reliant Robin by skimping on meals and it was his "pride and joy". He told police: "I am very fond of my car," and added that he suffered a lot of jokes because of the TV sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

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