A DRIVER who took revenge on an OAP by ramming his Toyota Carina after a shunt, is more than £800 out of pocket today.Russell Stiff, of The Street, Raydon, was found guilty of criminal damage to 74-year-old Derek Wood's car after a crash in Trinity Close, Kesgrave.

A DRIVER who took revenge on an OAP by ramming his Toyota Carina after a shunt, is more than £800 out of pocket today.

Russell Stiff, of The Street, Raydon, was found guilty of criminal damage to 74-year-old Derek Wood's car after a crash in Trinity Close, Kesgrave.

Appearing before District Judge David Cooper at East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich, 27-year-old Stiff had denied the charge.

During the hearing Judge Cooper heard Stiff got into an argument with Mr Wood who it was claimed crashed into his Vauxhall Vectra just after 5.45pm on May 10.

Carolyn Gardiner, prosecuting, said: "Stiff alleged that his car had been struck when Mr Wood was turning left into Cambridge Road from Trinity Close.

"Stiff stopped his car then got out and had a disagreement with Mr Wood. Subsequently Stiff got back into his car and reversed into Mr Wood's car saying 'That will make it right' before driving off."

Mr Wood told the court that his wife and sister-in-law were in the vehicle when he first saw Stiff driving towards him at speed in the middle of the road.

He said: "He was driving madly and we could smell burning rubber. Then he pulled up to my car so that I couldn't get out and was in a bit of a temper saying that I had hit his car."

Mr Wood got out to inspect the damage and while he was doing so Stiff rammed the vehicle.

The court heard that one of Mr Wood's neighbours witnessed the incident and blocked the road with his car to prevent Stiff driving away. But Stiff drove up onto the kerb to get round it and sped off.

Kate Miller, defending, said Stiff was turning round to leave the scene after fearing that the occupants of the car were going to beat him up. He was scared as they had seen him arguing with the pensioner and had already blocked the road to prevent him escaping.

Stiff, a vehicle polisher, was not aware of hitting Mr Wood's car but when he saw the damage claimed he said: "I will make it right."

He said that he regretted ever saying this, as Mr Wood must have misunderstood him and took it as a threat when it was meant to be an offer of amends.

Prior to sentencing, Stiff was sent home to get his licence so it could be checked to ensure it was not already endorsed.

The judge also told him to get as much cash as he could muster, as he would be facing costs of £364 and compensation of £452.

When Stiff returned, Judge Cooper told him: "Do not do it again, it was very silly. I will put you on conditional discharge for a year, drive carefully."