A MOTORIST was pulled out of his car and assaulted by another driver in a bout of road rage.

David William Owen “tried to rip” Filip Jus out of his car when the two men were stopped in traffic in Rhayader on September 13 last year.

Horrified onlookers and fellow motorists watched as Owen, 29, punched the victim and dragged him out of his vehicle and into the road in an incident even the defendant described as “shocking”.

Groundsworker Owen, of Maes yr Eglwys, Llanwnog, near Caersws, admitted assaulting the victim when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 10.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies said: “The complainant was travelling back to Rhayader from Llangurig on the A470 at around 11.45am on September 13.

“There was a white Skoda behind him. The driver got out and moved toward him, trying to unlock his door. The male grabbed Mr Jus by his top and tried to rip him out of the car and tried punching him.

“Mr Jus had his seatbelt on so was caught in that. When he was out of the car he put both hands out to try and protect himself. The other male dragged him out onto the road and had hands round his neck. Mr Jus was asking bystanders watching to call the police.

“He suffered a cut to his head, was well as scratches and grazes. He said the incident had shaken him up and didn’t understand what had gone on. He was shocked."

Paul Lewis, said: “The other driver didn’t seek any serious medical attention.

“In Rhayader, he accepts he got out of his car. The driver eventually got out and there was a scuffle.

“He is deeply ashamed of his actions. When a police officer asked him what would have happened if the boot was on the other foot, he said he would have been shocked to witness such behaviour in public. It was out of character.”

Owen was ordered to pay Mr Jus £75 compensation. Additionally, he was given a 12-month community order and must complete 80 hours of unpaid work, as well as pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.