AN ANGRY driver who knocked another man’s tooth out during an act of road rage has been spared jail.

Zeeshan Matin punched victim Asif Ramzan in the face through his car window during a row over who had the right of way on a narrow road, Preston Crown Court heard.

Matin, 25, had been driving his Honda Civic in Cromer Place, Blackburn, a narrow road which was constricted by several parked cars.

The court heard how Mr Ramzan was driving his Volkswagen Golf and his car became face to face with the Civic.

Michelle Brown, prosecuting, said neither of the parties would move for each other and a discussion went on for around 20 minutes.

She said: “The defendant got out of the car, walked towards the victim and punched him in the face.

“That was through an open window.”

The court heard Matin attempted to hit Mr Ramzan again but he blocked the blows.

The defendant left the scene but was identified and arrested after a Cromer Place resident took pictures of his car’s registration plate. .

Ms Brown said the incident on June 18, last year, had caused Mr Ramzan distress, particularly as the incident took place near his home.

She said: “There was anxiety about returning to the area and a repeat confrontation taking place.”

Ms Brown said the victim had to take up to three weeks off work following the attack.

Jon Close, defending, said the incident took place more than 12 months ago and there had been no reoffending by his client in the meantime.

He said: “His actions completely derailed his career path.

“He is now a data analyst, earning £24,000 a year.

“He has worked very hard to get to that position.”

Mr Close said his client had also spent time working with a homeless charity.

Matin, of St James’s Road, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and was given a nine months imprisonment but it was suspended for 12 months.

He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must pay Mr Ramzan £1,000 compensation.

Recorder Alexandra Simmonds said: “This was a road rage offence.

“He was unable to defend himself as he was sat in his car and you punched him through an open window. His mouth was cut and sore.

“In my judgement there was great harm because Mr Ramzan lost a tooth as a result of the blow.That is a serious injury.”