"Respectable" businessman drove dangerously in Doncaster when chasing a man in road-rage incident, court hears

Richard Walker raised his middle finger to the 50-year-old man after spotting him in his distinctive Ford Ka, on Tickhill Road, Bawtry, at 3.40pm on June 26, 2019, said prosecutor Neil Coxon.

Walker drove his silver Mercedes people carrier close behind him, swerving erratically "as if he was trying to get him off the road."

At one point he drove along the grass verge for 60 metres to undertake him on the Great North Road, and on Martin Lane, mounted the pavement, shouting: "Next time I'll f****** kill you."

In a statement, Walker's victim said: "I am constantly looking over my shoulder and shouldn't have to live like this. Rick has been relentless. I feel uneasy all the time."

Sheffield Crown Court heard the men had known each other for over 20 years, but fell out after police became involved because of parking issues on a grass verge near a school.

Edward Moss, mitigating, said Walker was "genuinely ashamed," but was "a respectable local businessman who came to the end of his tether."

On the day in question the Mercedes Benz salesman's business premises had been burgled and a wall was demolished.

References painted a “very different picture” of a “diligent and conscientious” father-of-four, Mr Moss, said, adding that a driving ban prevented him from accompanying prospective buyers.

“It took him ten years to build up a business that he is on the brink of losing,” he said.

Probation officers said Walker "presents as almost oblivious to the risk he poses to other road users."

Walker, 46, of Redman Close, Gainsborough, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, in July 2020.

On Wednesday, Recorder David Gordon sentenced him to nine months, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He also imposed a 9pm to 6am curfew for two months and 15 rehabilitation days.

Walker was disqualified for 12 months and five-year restraining order was made.

"You can repay your debt without getting locked up by being punished in the community," the judge said.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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