A TRADESMAN who committed a series of driving offences has been given one final chance to keep his licence to allow him to continue working.
Aaron Eastwood (36) admitted to using threatening and aggressive words, common assault, careless driving, speeding and two counts of using a mobile phone while driving.
In January, he was in his van when he found himself behind a bin lorry, which was blocking the road.
The refuse collector said he clearly saw him with his mobile phone, the court was told.
Legal adviser Kerry Grieve said that Eastwood mounted the pavement to get around the lorry before stopping and getting out of the car. He threatened to beat and slap the refuse collector and pushed his phone into the man’s face.
Ms Grieve said that the victim has been “left on edge” and that “he is always looking over his shoulder, twitchy and aware of danger”.
“He wants the defendant to understand the impact of this incident.”
During two other separate incidents, he was caught speeding at 42mph in a 30mph zone, and using his phone at the wheel.
Advocate James Bell, defending, said Eastwood was a tradesman who needed his driving license for his business.
He added that he now had an apprentice, who takes calls and runs the diary while Eastwood drives the van.
Eastwood had several “very positive” character references, he added, and had written a letter of apology.
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke, presiding, sentenced Eastwood to a total of 70 hours of community service, fined him £2,700, endorsed his driving license for three years and issued a two-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
An earlier version of the article stated that Mr Eastwood threatened to beat and stab the refuse collector. He had in fact threatened to beat and slap him. The error is regretted.
