Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, Broadstairs

by Paul Hooper

A Margate forklift driver with a staggering SEVENTEEN convictions for driving while disqualified has been jailed for a road rage knife attack.

Father-of-two Jamie Elvin used a Stanley knife to threaten a driver who sounded his horn in Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs.

The 27-year-old got out of his Nissan 4X4, extended the blade before screaming at shocked dad Matthew Shrimpton: "I'm going to f****** cut you up!"

Canterbury Crown Court heard that among Elvin's 57-offence criminal record were 17 for driving illegally.

Judge Adele Williams said: "I haven't seen so many driving while disqualified convictions for one person for some time."

Jim Hardy, prosecuting, said Elvin, of Ethelbert Terrace, Margate, was driving legally when he was at the wheel of his girlfriend's vehicle last December.

As Mr Shrimpton - with his partner and their 10-year-old child in his car - were leaving the car park, Elvin's Nissan pulled out in front of him, causing him to brake hard.

When Mr Shrimpton sounded his car horn, Elvin stopped his vehicle and threatened Mr Shrimpton with the knife before driving off.

"it is high time you started taking control of your life and put it in order…” – judge adele williams

Mr Hardy said Mr Shrimpton became so frightened, he drove away and called the police. Officers went to Elvin's home and found the knife still in the car.

Clare Cooper, defending, said the incident happened shortly after Elvin's partner had been given news that she had miscarried.

"But there is no doubt that he has anger management issues which he is now addressing," she said. "He was out of control and is a young man with a loose mouth who began shouting things."

Elvin, who admitted affray and possessing a bladed article, was jailed for 12 months.

Judge Williams told him: "You behaved quite disgracefully getting involved in this road-rage incident when you brandished a knife at a man who had his 10-year-old child in the car at the time.

"It is high time you started taking control of your life and put it in order."