A MOTORIST has been fined and given a curfew after punching a parish councillor in a dispute over his driving.

Alex Hinch, 43, of Bownham Park, Rodborough Common, was found guilty earlier this month of assaulting Alick Miskin in March last year.

Mr Miskin, a member of Rodborough Parish Council, had been walking his dog Humphrey in an official Quiet Lane when he flagged down the driver on an Audi A4 who he believed was exceeding the 20mph speed limit.

Hinch (pictured) and Mr Miskin got into a verbal row, which ended when Mr Miskin closed the door of Hinch's car and walked away.

Cheltenham Magistares' Court heard how Hinch then got out of his car and punched Mr Miskin in the jaw.

He then grabbed Mr Miskin by the chest and pushed him in the bushes by the road side and carried on punching him in the back before leaving him in the bushes and driving off.

Mr Miskin lost both his glasses and his dog, however both were found by two motorists who stopped to help him.

He suffered pain to his jaw and his back as a result of the incident.

In a victim statement read out at court on Friday Mr Miskin said: "No body has the right to attack or hurt me without good reason or my consent."

Anna Midgley, defending, told the court that Hinch had written a letter of apology to Mr Miskin.

"Although there is a disagreement of the facts he recognises that he caused Mr Miskin upset.

"He empathises with Mr Miskin as he realises the impact on the community of someone who drives too quickly.

"He has taken steps to address what led to his loss of temper through counselling to ensure it doesn't happen again."

District Judge Joti Bopa-Rai said she had to take into account the protection of the public in road rage cases.

Hinch was tagged and given a curfew order for two months. He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to Mr Miskin, £400 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.