AN Italian restaurant worker convicted of a road rage attack has been spared an immediate prison sentence to enable him to pay his victim compensation from his earnings.

Rafaelle Scarpati, 49, of Robson Crescent, Bowburn, admitted careless driving and assault causing actual bodily harm at Durham Crown Court, in April.

It related to an attack on another driver, who he made several attempts to overtake, in his Jaguar XF VRM, on the A177, Durham to Bowburn road, on May 11, 2019.

When the motorist in front got out to remonstrate with him about the manner of his driving, Scarpati drove his car into him, knocking him to the ground at the roadside, before accelerating from the scene.

The victim, a carer, whose son observed the incident, suffered two fractured ribs and has been unable to work since, having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Judge Ray Singh deferred sentence in April to enable Scarpati to save money from his job to compensate the victim.

On his return to court, the sentencing hearing was told Scarpati has managed to save £1,400.

Imposing a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years, he ordered Scarpati to perform 120-hours’ unpaid work and complete ten probation activity days.

He was also ordered to pay £3,000 compensation, starting with the £1,400, in the next 14 days, and then at a £150 monthly rate.

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