Driver saw red in chase shame

Qualified electrician Fabian Mara, 25, was driving down Alexandra Road in Blackpool with two friends when he suddenly stopped the vehicle and ran into the nearby Alexandra flats on August 18, Preston Crown Court heard.

In interview he said something hit his vehicle as he was driving and his friend had told him a man on the side of the road had thrown it.

He got angry, stopped the car and chased the man.

But prosecutors told the court the man had simply shouted at him to “slow down” as he sped past.

Prosecuting, Richard Bennett said: “A man was walking down Alexandra Road when he observed and heard a vehicle which contained the defendant and two other men.

“It appeared to be travelling at excessive speed. As the car drove past he shouted “slow down” and signalled by waving his arms up and down.

“The vehicle stops very suddenly and three men get out and run into the internal hallway of the flats, presumable where he (the victim) had gone into. The defendant was in possession of a truncheon-type bat.

“The defendant andhis friends went into the foyer but couldn’t get past the first internal door as it was locked.

“A Mr Hansen who was cleaning an upstairs flat, heard shouting, came down and heard them shouting to open the door.

“The defendant was holding the item.

“Mr Hansen told them to clear off which they did and they went back to the car and drove off.

The weapon was found when police stopped the vehicle a short time later.

Mara, of Park Road, Blackpool, said he had no intention of using the truncheon but admitted possession of a weapon.

Defending, Sarah Magill said no direct threats were made to anyone.

Recorder Abigail Hudson imposed a 12-month sentence suspended for 24 months, with 200 hours unpaid work.

She said: “Any occupants of that building – and I’m told there were numerous young families in residence there – would have been absolutely terrified by the sight of you at the door trying to get in.

“This was a very serious offence.

“You took that weapon with the express purpose of using it.”