AN ENRAGED driver drew a samurai sword on a man after shunting into his car.

Darren Scott has been spared jail after making a man fear for his life following the road rage attack in Southend.

The 50-year-old, of Elmer Avenue, Southend, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced after admitting affray.

The court was told Scott got annoyed with the other driver on August 31 last year, and was shouting and swearing at him through the car window.

Following an exchange, Scott shunted the other driver from behind at five miles an hour, before driving off.

The driver followed him, intending to hold him to account for his behaviour.

Scott went back to his home address in Elmer Avenue, Southend.

The man went up to his door, and in response, Scott drew a samurai sword and waved it around in his doorway.

The man became scared and fled the scene, and informed the police of what happened.

As there had been a weapon used, police deployed armed officers to the scene.

Prosecuting, Richard Burrington said: “Firearms offices attended. He was called out of his address and arrested.

“A search was conducted and two swords were found in the rear garden.

“He said it was a broom but in his plea he accepts it was one of those swords that was waved at the victim.”

Mitigating, Kevin Toomey said Scott had realised his behaviour was having an impact on his family.

He said: “Such irrational behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated in the future.”

Judge Andrew Hurst told Scott: “You followed his vehicle and shunted him from behind and you drove off.

“Your behaviour was aggressive and frightening and he was seriously concerned for his own safety.

“You should have shut the door and stayed inside.You said you were frightened but you dealt with it in a completely unacceptable way.”

Scott was given a 30 month community order and must complete 40 days of rehabilitation.

Judge Hurst added: “You were very close to going to prison.

“Don’t come back to court again.”