A ROAD rage pensioner booted a van and made a threat of violence towards its driver following a near-collision at the Port's retail park.

Michael Williams, 67, got out of his car and stormed over to the hired Transit vehicle following an exchange of verbal insults, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

The first offender, of Arran Avenue, has now been fined hundreds of pounds after waiting until the day of his trial to plead guilty.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife told Greenock Sheriff Court: "Upon approaching a junction the complainer slammed on his brakes to avoid a collision with the accused's car.

"He beeped his horn to alert the accused to his presence.

"There was a passenger in the accused's vehicle who rolled down the window and shouted at him.

"The accused exited his car, calling the complainer a 'stupid wee boy'.

"He then made a threat of violence towards the him."

The court heard how the van driver was 'so alarmed' at Williams' behaviour that he drove off but then parked a short distance away.

He saw from his mirrors the pensioner approaching and then kicking the van.

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife said: "The cost of the damage was put at £500."

Williams admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing, threatening the van driver with violence, placing him in a state of fear and alarm and vandalism.

His not guilty plea to having an offensive weapon in the shape of a piece of metal was accepted.

He committed the offences at around 11am on March 13.

Defence lawyer David Tod said: "Mr Williams is 67 years of age and he has never troubled the court before.

"There are a number of family health concerns and he had been to the hospital that day.

"His position is that the verbal abuse was on both sides, with him not being the person who started it, although he certainly finished it."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre imposed a fine of £400.