A DRINK-driver, who lashed out at a fellow motorist during a road-rage attack, is banned from the road today.Janusz Napiorkoski, 50, of John Street, Ipswich, attacked Paul Grant after the duo started arguing on London Road in Ipswich on January 21.

A DRINK-driver, who lashed out at a fellow motorist during a road-rage attack, is banned from the road today.

Janusz Napiorkoski, 50, of John Street, Ipswich, attacked Paul Grant after the duo started arguing on London Road in Ipswich on January 21.

Both men got out of their cars after Mr Grant had been unable to overtake Napiorkoski's red Fiat because other cars were parked along the road.

Adele Cook, prosecuting, told South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court: “There was a verbal altercation during the course of which Mr Grant was struck in the face for no apparent reason other than annoyance.

“Mr Napiorkoski thought that Mr Grant was making insulting gestures towards him.

“Mr Napiorkoski grabbed his leg causing him to fall back to the ground and further blows were delivered.

“Mr Napiorkoski had to receive stitches for an injury caused by a single punch by Mr Grant.

“This is essentially a road-rage type incident.”

John Hughes, mitigating, added: “There was gesturing from inside the car by both parties and then, foolishly, the defendant accepts he got out of the car to remonstrate.”

Napiorkoski, a carpenter who is originally from Poland, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and assault when he appeared at court.

He was found to have driven above the legal limit after he was taken to a police station following the assault.

He had 61mcg in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Magistrates gave Napiorkoski a 12-month conditional discharge for the assault and fined him £200 for drink-driving as well as banning him from the road for 16-months. He was also ordered to pay £60 in costs.

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