A Glen Maye man who traded punches with another man in the middle of Kirk Michael’s main road after a road rage row has been sentenced to community service.

Edward Michael Lewin, of The Lharghan, was filmed by a witness on her phone as the two men exchanged blows outside a school.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and ordered to perform 80 hours’ community service.

We previously reported how the row started on February 16 at 11am when Lewin, who is 38, was driving into Kirk Michael coming from Ballacraine when another car, coming from the direction of Glen Wyllin, pulled out in front of him, with the driver sticking two fingers up as he passed.

Lewin drove after the man, overtaking him and then pulling up in front, causing him to stop.

Both men got out of their cars but Lewin was said to have punched the man in the head sparking the brawl.

As other cars passed the two men exchanged blows before Lewin stormed off kicking the other man’s car as he left, smashing the rear light.

He was later arrested and the other man was said to have been formally cautioned.

In a further incident, on March 26, Lewin was stopped by police at Bishopscourt as his licence had expired but swore at police several times before driving off, narrowly missing one of the officers as he made off.

He was eventually cornered at a private farm after a chase.

Lewin said to police: ’You are picking on me, I’ve had enough of you all. I haven’t got enough money to pay my tax.’

In court, defence advocate Kate Alexander said: ’While not offered as an excuse, a doctor’s report has said that there are traits relating to a psychological condition which has been misdiagnosed in the past. He hopes that this report opens doors for a treatment he hasn’t had before.’

The court heard that Lewin previously had his driving licence endorsed with four penalty points for speeding in 2015.

His licence was endorsed with a further five penalty points for these offences.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ’This was a road rage incident. We all experience difficulties but we must all accept people don’t always do what we want them to while driving. You need to resolve any issues you have as far as the police are concerned. I am absolutely sure the police weren’t picking on you in any way.’