A MOTORIST who savagely attacked a man in a fit of road rage has been jailed for 15 months.

Gavin Silver, of Philmead Road, Benfleet, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and assault.

Basildon Crown Court heard the victim was driving his BMW around Sadlers Farm roundabout when he was involved in a crash with Silver’s Land Rover. The victim suspected Silver, 46, had been drinking as they exchanged details because he was swaying and being quite aggressive.

When he asked Silver if this was the case, the defendant grabbed him by the throat and held him over his car before punching him in the face.

Butthe victim's ordeal was not over.

Almost an hour later, as he waited by the side of the road with a recovery vehicle, Silver returned and repeatedly beat his victim over the head with a metal object.

The victim, who suffered a split lip in several places and a gash to the head, was treated by paramedics.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO