A BUSINESSMAN and charity worker involved in a road rage melee which left a man with a serious eye injury has avoided jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard how father-of-two Paul Taylor, 35, did not like the other person's driving, lost his temper and deliberately sought out a confrontation.

He forced the motorist out of his car, flung his car keys across the road and a struggle ensued.

Sentencing, Recorder Sarah Singleton told the defendant she had seriously considered sending him to prison.

The judge said, however, custody would have a devastating effect on the people who surrounded Taylor.

Recorder Singleton told the defendant his behaviour had been appalling and totally unacceptable but continued: "You are normally somebody who contributes to society, you are ashamed of being here and are very unlikely ever to come before this court again. This offence was out of character."

Taylor, of Glencoe Avenue, Hoddlesden, admitted affray. He was given 120 hours' community punishment.

Alexandra Simmonds, prosecuting, told the court around 11.30am on November 1 the other driver was heading towards Edgworth. The defendant got agitated, tailgated him and then stopped at crossroad, banged on his car and took his keys.