MOTORIST Robert Yates was forced to stop after a Vauxhall Astra overtook him and then swerved into his path in St James Road, Blackburn.

The town's magistrates heard that two men jumped out of the Astra and tried to attack Mr Yates' female passenger.

The court was told that driver of the Astra, Salim Ali, did not leave the vehicle but was, nevertheless, part of the attack and guilty of driving without due care and attention.

Ali, 27, of Shear Brow, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and using threatening behaviour. The case was adjourned until March 1, for the preparation of pre-sentence reports and Ali was warned that all options, including prison, would be open to the sentencing magistrates.

A charge of dangerous driving was dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, said Mr Yates became aware of the other car following him as he drove up East Park Road. As he turned into St James Road the Astra overtook and then stopped in front of him.

"At that stage a man tried to grab Mr Yates' female passenger through the passenger window," said Mrs Duckworth. "One of the two men who got out of the car also tried to push past Mr Yates in order to attack the passenger."