Man jailed for 'extraordinary and bizarre' road rage driving behaviour

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court for driving behaviour described by a judge as 'extraordinary and bizarre'.

Scott Graham (42) whose address was given as Archerhill Gardens in Glasgow admitted a total of eight charges including driving while unfit, dangerous driving, disorderly behaviour, possessing a knife and obstructing police on August 20.

The court was told that around 4.00am police received a report of a male driver on the Glenshane Road 'weaving in and out of lanes' and believed to be under the influence. 

The car then cut in front of the reporting person and 'slammed on the brakes'.

Graham was then said to have pulled into a lay by and pulled out trying to sideswipe the vehicle.

He then pulled in front on several more occasions and slammed on his brakes forcing the other vehicle to emergency brake.

Graham was then alleged to have reversed towards the car in an attempt to ram them.

Then the court was told that at 5.10am a driver reported a similar car had passed him on the Glenshane Road 'very closely' passing within six inches of the vehicle. 

He then slammed on the brakes forcing the other driver to have to brake sharply.

Graham was then said to have driven along the hard shoulder matching the other driver's speed before attempting to sideswipe him.

The driver then said Graham approached him at speed and undertook him before sideswiping the passenger side. 

Graham was then said to have stopped and approached the other driver with a hammer in hand and chased him for some 300 yards.

Shortly after 6.00am the same driver saw the vehicle in Tobermore and alerted police to the location.

Police arrived and Graham was 'unsteady and extremely agitated' and when police approached he was 'verbally abusive and non compliant'.

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He allegedly told police 'I will get you shot you black b------s' and said he would 'spit in your face'.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a hammer, a knife and an empty whisky bottle.

An evidential breath test revealed a reading of 56mgs.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay wondered why this case was not in the Crown Court. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said hat this was'very bad behaviour' that the defendant claimed occurred after someone 'cut him up' in traffic.

The solicitor said that Graham accepted he had behaved 'irrationally' but fortunately had been arrested before anyone was injured. 

He said Graham planned to move to Letterkenny when released.

Mr MacDermott said that the presence of the knife and hammer in the vehicle were not for anything sinister.

Judge McStay said it was hard to understand the behaviour as it was bizarre.

He said that it must have been 'absolutely terrifying' for the other road users.

Graham was jailed for 6 months, disqualified from driving for 3 years and fined £200.