A thug who smashed a driver over the head with an iron bar in a road rage attack has been jailed for five years.

Steven Bennett was a passenger in his girlfriend’s car when he lost his temper over a near collision with Andrew Harwood’s vehicle on a foggy night in November last year.

The 21-year-old stormed over to the victim in Iden Road, Rochester, as he was getting out of his car and struck him with a tyre lever. Mr Harwood suffered a fracture cheekbone.

Bennett, of Grassmere Grove, Wainscott, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity, but was convicted by a jury.

He had been subject to a community order, the supervision requirement of which was revoked in May last year because of good progress.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Mr Harwood saw Bennett up close on November 14 and later picked him out of an identity procedure. The car registration was also noted.

Iestyn Morgan, prosecuting, suggested Bennett’s girlfriend had lied when giving evidence to cover up for him.

John Connor, defending, said after the verdict there was a lack of premeditation in committing the offence and it happened quickly. Bennett had almost qualified as an electrician.

“This was a disgraceful incident in which, for no good reason, you attacked the unfortunate Mr Harwood and struck him what was plainly a fearsome blow to his head with an iron bar" - Judge David Griffith-Jones

He still protested his innocence when Judge David Griffith-Jones QC told him: “This was a disgraceful incident in which, for no good reason, you attacked the unfortunate Mr Harwood and struck him what was plainly a fearsome blow to his head with an iron bar.”

Bennett replied: “I didn’t sir.”

The judge continued: “This was an unprovoked attack derived from an incident on the road, as a result of which you left him with a gash to his cheek and a fractured cheekbone.

“You are very fortunate he was not injured more severely. Fortunately, his physical injuries have healed, leaving him with a scar on his face.

“But not surprisingly, this whole incident had a significant effect upon him. You used a weapon, and it is right to say, a fearsome weapon at that.”

Bennett did not qualify for a discount for a guilty plea and he fought the case in the face of compelling evidence, said the judge.

“There is frankly little in the way of mitigation,” he added. “A prison sentence of some length is demanded. Nothing else will do.”