A MAN has been spared jail after being found guilty of a racially-aggravated road rage incident in Marlborough.

William Edward Angus Bruce of Watson Close, Upavon, near Salisbury, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Bruce pleaded not guilty to a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause Dwain Tucker to believe that violence would be used against him.

But Salisbury Magistrates' Court found that the offence was both racially and religiously aggravated and he was also ordered to pay £200 compensation, £128 to fund victim services and £200 Crown Prosecution Services costs.

Magistrates deemed a custodial sentence appropriate for the 61-year-old because it was serious and the "racially aggravted road rage involving the use of an object" making it the "only suitable sentence for such a serious matter".

However, it was suspended and Bruce was ordered to take part in 14 rehabilitation activity days as directed by the probation service.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation, £128 to fund victim services and £200 Crown Prosecution Services costs.