A white van man who deliberately smashed into another car and injured a heavily pregnant woman has escaped jail.

Mark Leeks, 41, of Gosbecks Road, Colchester, was in a rage after the break-up of his relationship, Southend Crown Court heard.

He admitted dangerous driving at an earlier hearing. Yesterday he was given a nine-month suspended sentence, ordered to pay £750 compensation, undertake 75 hours of community service and was banned from driving for three years.

The court heard that on March 10, Leeks cut up Dean Jones while he was driving with wife Amanda near the Maldon Road roundabout in Colchester.

Mrs Jones was thrown to the floor.

The court heard character references from two people who said this incident was totally out of character.