Whittington man Mark Webb punched and swore at man in Downham Market who reversed into his car

A man shouted and punched another driver after they reversed into his car.

Mark Webb, 37, of Methwold Road in Whittington, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted assaulting the victim in Downham on May 12.

Prosecutor Sarah Fiddy said that on that date, the police had been called to Downham’s High Street to deal with an incident.

Police found Webb stood by his vehicle, and were told that his truck had been reversed into by a man in another car.

Prior to officers' arrival, Webb was waiting to collect an Indian takeaway when the car accidentally backed into his.

It was reported that Webb got out of his truck and started shouting and swearing at the other driver.

The argument continued to get heated, before Webb punched the other driver in the face and was heard shouting: “I’m f***ing Mark Webb.”

The victim called out for help while Webb continued to make threats, one of them being to sell the victim’s car after trying to take the keys.

After the incident, the victim reported suffering a number of injuries to his face as well as bruising andsaid he had been left feeling “shocked, helpless and stressed out”.

Webb did have previous convictions to his name, but none of them were relevant to this case, according to Ms Fiddy.

In mitigation, Alison Muir said: “This is not an excuse but will help explain why he got so angry, his grandfather had just died.

“He was given the truck to drive by his dad and had driven to Downham to get a takeaway.”

The solicitor continued to explain that Webb had got out of his car and walked over to look at the damage done and was afraid that the other driver was going to vacate the scene.

“He wanted to take the keys out of the ignition so the man couldn’t leave, then things escalated,” added Ms Muir.

“He didn’t want to seem intimidating, but with his stature, it could look that way.”

When looking at a suitable punishment for Webb, probation officer Lewis Spicer concluded that Webb was unfit to carry out unpaid work due to being in a horse and carriage accident.

Mr Spicer said: “He showed remorse for what he had done, and knows he should have contacted the police first.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen again.”

Magistrates fined Webb £200 and ordered him to pay £100 in compensation to the man he hit.

He will also pay a victim surcharge of £80 and court costs of £105.