A DISABLED driver kicked a car door and caused more than £500 of damage during a road rage incident, a court heard.

Keith James Baldwin, 56, of Fernhurst Street, Blackburn was found guilty at Trafford Magistrates Court of criminal damage costing £571.

Baldwin claimed that pensioner David Johnson, 70, "cut him up" on a motorway slip road, and when he blew a "fanfare" on his horn by way of reprimand, Mr Johnson laughed and "gave him the finger."

Baldwin was so incensed by this that he followed Mr Johnson for eight miles and stopped behind him as he made to leave the motorway.

Baldwin then ran from his car and attempted to take Mr Johnson's keys, alleging that Mr Johnson struck the arm with which he reached into his car.

Baldwin then tried to open Mr Johnson's car door and when he failed to do so he kicked the door, calling Mr Johnson by an 'obscene insulting name' and spat at him.

The magistrates found Baldwin guilty of the charge of causing criminal damage, but dismissed the public order offence of swearing and spitting because of insufficient evidence.

By a turn of fate the dented car was written off in an accident before it could be repaired, and thus Baldwin did not have to pay for the damage.

In the event Baldwin was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £75 towards the prosecution costs.

The magistrates took into account that Baldwin had not worked for 20 years and claimed to be on Invalidity Benefit.

He hobbled into court with a stick and said that he was riddled with arthritis.