Driver knocked down rival after he got out of car for a fight

A driver who knocked down a rival after he got out of his car for a fist fight has kept his freedom.
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Warren Harrison left his vehicle and "put his fists up" after David Scrimger asked if he wanted to fight as the pair passed in their cars.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Scrimger remained in his vehicle, drove at Mr Harrison and knocked him over before leaving the scene.

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Mr Harrison, who is the current partner of Scrimger's ex, suffered grazes, a swollen ankle, soft tissue injury to his back and a fracture to a bone in his elbow.

David ScrimgerDavid Scrimger
David Scrimger

The court heard the men saw each other by chance while both out in their cars at Washington Road, Sunderland, on January 3 last year.

Prosecutor Helen Towers told the court Mr Harrison was on his way to the supermarket for food shopping when he saw Scrimger in his car.

Miss Towers said: "The defendant wound his window down and shouted 'howay man you daft **** I thought you wanted a fight'.

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"Mr Harrison said 'come on then', got out of his car and put his fists up.

"Mr Harrison states he expected the defendant to get out of his vehicle and fist fight

"Instead, he heard the defendant rev his car.

"He drove at the complainant, knocking him off his feet, before driving away."

Mr Harrison said in a statement: "I am shocked by what the defendant has done.

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"I thought he wanted to fight me but didn't expect him to try and knock me down."

The court heard Mr Harrison's girlfriend was in his car at the time and left "traumatised" by what she saw.

Scrimger, 36, of Sidlaw Avenue, North Shields, admitted dangerous driving and assault.

Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Scrimger to 13 months behind bars, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements and an order to pay £2,000 compensation.

The judge told him: "What you did was thoroughly shameful".

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Judge Clemitson added that Mr Harrison's behaviour that day "wasn't particularly helpful" but said Scrimger was "very lucky" that the injuries he caused were not more severe.

David Callan, defending, said Scrimger has good employment, an excellent work ethic and admitted his guilt at the first opportunity.