Driver punched in ‘frenzied’ attack by pedestrian in Romsey

Alex Leigh punched a man in the head and face before uttering the threat “I am going to kill you”, a court heard.

Prosecution barrister, Kate Parker, told how the 27-year-old then pushed his victim into a grass verge and “started to punch him again in the head”.

The man had been driving along Stanbridge Lane, Awbridge at about 8.15pm when he spotted Leigh of Withy Close in Romsey walking in the road.

Ms Parker said that Leigh - who works for a removal company - approached the driver’s door and hit the vehicle several times.

The man got out of the car and asked “What’s this all about?”, only to be viciously attacked.

He suffered cuts, bruising and swelling, and described Leigh as “being in a frenzy”.

According to a victim personal statement, the man thought that the threats to kill him were genuine.

Furthermore, he feared that because “he was in a rural location the likelihood of someone coming to his rescue was very slim”.

He said he would avoid the road in future because he is concerned it could happen again.

Ms Parker told Southampton Crown Court that Leigh has 23 convictions for 39 offences - “many for dishonesty”.

However, he also has “a handful of offences against the person” including attacking a policewoman.

Following the incident on December 19, 2019, he was charged with ABH - to which he pleaded guilty.

Defending, Tom Horder said that his client accepted his behaviour was wholly unjustified.

He cited a history of mental health issues and that Leigh has been diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar and borderline personality disorder.

Mr Horder went on to say how he had lost a close friend and recently been to a funeral.

During sentencing, Judge Christopher Parker QC mentioned the progress Leigh had made with his life since the ordeal.

He jailed him for eight months, suspended for two years.

Leigh must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity days and pay £500 in compensation.