A RAGING motorist terrorised a new driver after he claimed the teenager didn't move to let him on the motorway, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how irritated Jason Hardacre, 31, pursued Martin Smith down the snow covered M65, tried to get him to stop and then followed him to Nelson police station and attacked his car.

Mr Smith, whose mother was in the vehicle with him, was frightened and worried by the defendant's behaviour. His mother had rung the police and the pair had been advised to make their way to the station.

Recorder John Gibson told the defendant, currently banned from driving and having psychiatric treatment, the offence was serious.

Hardacre, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, admitted dangerous driving and criminal damage, last February. He was given 240 hours community punishment, told to pay £270 compensation and £90 costs and banned for 12 months. He must take an extended retest at the end of it.

The court was told Mr Smith was doing about 50mph in lane two at about 8pm when he looked in his rear view mirror and saw a vehicle travelling at speed behind him. Hardacre was flashing his headlights to indicate to Mr Smith to move to one side.

The defendant undertook Mr Smith, pulled in front of him, slowed down and went on the hard shoulder. He then went up behind Mr Smith at speed again and tried to get the victim to pull over.

Mr Smith carried on driving, but Hardacre again went in front of him, braked sharply and dropped to about 5mph.

The victim pulled into the third lane to try and get away, but Hardacre continued to follow him, driving erratically. Mr Smith's mother phoned the police and was told she and her son should head for Nelson police station.

When they arrived Hardacre turned up, was abusive and kicked Mr Smith's car.

The defendant was later interviewed, claimed Mr Smith did not move to let him on the motorway and said that had caused him to break and skid.

Katherine Pierpoint, defending, said Hardacre was deeply ashamed to find himself before the courts.

His driving and behaviour had been appalling and he had shown a complete loss of self control