A motorist who drove his car dangerously along the A414 near Ongar "needed to be taught a lesson", a Chelmsford Crown Court recorder said on Monday.

Bodie Mead, 21, of Mill Lane, High Ongar, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Assistant recorder Timothy Ashe QC told Mead: "On two occasions you pulled out to block the path of motorcyclists who had started to overtake you.

''The message must go out that this is unacceptable behaviour. It was lucky no injury was caused. You used your car aggressively and must be taught a lesson."

Jude Durr, prosecuting, said on July 16 last year a motorcyclist decided to overtake Mead's Escort car which was travelling along the A414 near Ongar.

As he did so the Escort veered sharply to its offside in an attempt to stop the overtaking manoeuvre. The motorcyclist managed to accelerate and pass the Escort, which then increased its speed and began to pursue the motorcyclist.

Shortly afterwards the Escort was seen to brake sharply with clouds of blue smoke coming from its tyres.

Mr Durr said another motorcyclist, head teacher Ian Muir, attempted to overtake the Escort which again veered across to the offside of the road and blocked his path.

Adam Wiseman, mitigating, said Mead accepted his driving was bad and that it was far below the standard of a reasonable driver.

Mr Wiseman said Mead was a hard working, honest and normally a law abiding man. He worked in the construction industry as a general labourer.

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