COCAINE addict Simon Niblett, 28, who attacked a motorist in a drunken fit of road rage, has escaped a prison sentence.

Niblett was sentenced by Chippenham magistrates on Friday to an 18-month Community Punishment and Rehabilitation Order, 70 hours of Community Service and disqualified from driving for three years, after a string of offences including assaulting a female police officer and drink driving.

The offences happened over a period of six weeks when Niblett, of Oaklands, Chippenham, was suffering from cocaine and alcohol addiction.

Defending, Andrew Eddy said: "Something had gone wrong in his life. He started to take cocaine as a recreation. He was a self-employed mechanic and it was not going well. He lost contracts. The bottom fell out of his life and he started to drink excessively. He also left his partner and their seven-month old child.

Niblett pleaded guilty to common assault and drink driving on October 4 last year.

The attack happened as he was driving behind another vehicle on the A4 towards Corsham at around 9.55pm.

Emmalyne Downing, prosecuting, said the victim Daniel Hood became aware of a car directly behind him, driving very close to the back of his car flashing its headlights.

"Eventually both cars stopped and Niblett got out of his BMW and approached Mr Hood who remained in his car. Mr Niblett was shouting 'boy racers like you should be banned.'"

Niblett then punched Mr Hood in the face splitting his lips. He then drove off and Mr Hood drove directly to Chippenham police station.

Minutes later police officers attended a car crash at Rowden Hill, which involved Niblett. He was found to be over the limit.

The third offence happened ten days later when Niblett was banging on the door of his family home and shouting obscenities at his partner.

Ms Downing said: "His eyes were bloodshot and he smelt of alcohol. WPC Ritchie went to lead him away. He lashed out, punching her in the chest forcing her backwards."

Niblett then failed to surrender to his bail. He was picked up by police a month later while he was sitting in his stationary car with the engine running. He was over the limit.

Mr Eddy said since the offences Niblett had made an effort to turn his life around and had gone to his GP to seek help.

"He spent two weeks in custody and has brought himself back on track. He no longer uses drugs and does not drink as much.

"He accepts his behaviour was completely out of order. "

Magistrates ordered Niblett to attend an aggression programme and pay Mr Hood £150 compensation and the police officer £50 compensation. He was fined £200 for drink driving with £87 costs.