A DANGEROUS driver rammed a van off the road before threatening the victim with a fake gun during a “disgraceful” road rage attack.

Volkan Yigit was jailed for more than four years at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday after admitting dangerous driving and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Marc Brown, prosecuting, said the victim, in a van, and Yigit, in a Ford Focus, were leaving the Texaco garage by Galleys Corner, Braintree and Yigit became agitated and followed him.

Mr Brown said: “Yigit was dangerously close the the victim, moved to overtake and alongside before he pulled to the left to strike the van causing it to lose control and slide sideways.”

Yigit pushed the van along the road until it overturned and drove off.

Mr Brown said: “Things got worse. The defendant returned running towards the victim.”

Yigit pulled a realistic looking 9mm pistol from his waistband and began making threats.

Yigit, who already has 34 convictions including for violence, possession of weapons and driving offences, left but returned a third time to threaten witnesses.

Yigit, 45, of Nelson Gardens, Braintree, was later arrested by a firearms officers at his home.

Richard Conley, mitigating, said: “He wishes to express his genuine remorse to his victim.

“He fully accepts he became angry and went on to become enraged.”

Recorder Kenneth Carr sentenced Yigit to 16 months for dangerous driving and three years for possession of the weapon with intent.