A PLUMBER has been jailed after threatening to kill a cyclist and knocking him off his bike.

Danny Hughes launched a foul-mouthed rant at cyclist Mark Chamberlain, who was out on a bike ride in Hedge End.

Using his van “as a weapon”, the 26-year-old from Hedge End carried out an emergency stop, which lead to Mr Chamberlain crashing into the back of the vehicle.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that Hughes, a father-of-two, had shouted expletives at Mr Chamberlain as he drove past him on Tollbar Way.

Ryan Seneviratne, prosecuting, told the court that Hughes revved his engine “in an aggressive manner” on Tollbar Way as he drove behind Mr Chamberlain.

Hughes then got so close to the cyclist his wing mirror struck Mr Chamberlain from behind.

In a statement read out in court Mr Chamberlain said Hughes, of Ulswater, Hedge End, then made an emergency stop – in what he believed was a deliberate bid to knock him off his bike.

Mr Chamberlain said: “I was aware of a vehicle behind me. I could hear the engine revving in an aggressive manner.

“I cleared the roundabout and could hear the horn. I was scared as there was nowhere to stop. I feared stopping because I knew the vehicle was so close.

“The vehicle was alongside me. The passenger window was open. He started to shout abuse at me…its front wing brushed up against me. I was struck from behind - this was the wing mirror.

“It unbalanced me up to the point that I hit the kerb.

“The vehicle conducted an emergency stop. I was unable to stop as I collided with the vehicle.

“I lay there for a second. I couldn’t quite believe this had happened.

“The abuse started immediately – it took me by surprise. Hughes said ‘I should kill you - if it wasn’t for my kids I would kill you now’.”

The court heard how Chamberlain suffered cuts and bruises to the face and pain in his shoulder.

A pre-sentence report compiled on Hughes found he suffered anger management issues.

In sentencing, District Judge Peter Greenfield said: “You used the vehicle as a weapon. You go back for a bit more - giving the cyclist quite an earful. You could have killed him.”

Hughes pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour, driving without a licence or insurance, and driving dangerously.

He was jailed for 22 weeks and banned from driving for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £85 costs, £115 surcharge and £300 compensation.