A MOTORCYCLIST left a driver with a fractured finger after “a classic example of road-rage” in the New Forest.

Car driver Peter Edwards was left with a bone protruding from his hand following the attack by biker Jacob Cranton.

A confrontation ensued after the 18-year-old motorcyclist made a rude gesture at Mr Edwards after he was overtaken by his Ford Fiesta on a cattle grid in Beaulieu Road.

Prosecutor Rufus Taylor explained that as Cranton slowed to go over the grid, Mr Edwards went past him

Mr Taylor said: “Cranton started screaming at Mr Edwards. He kicked out at the car and exchanged ‘V’ signs with him.

“Cranton got off his motorcycle and Mr Edwards stopped his car and he squared up to Mr Edwards... a nearby witness was heard saying ‘Gentleman let’s stop this’.”

He added: “The defendant then lunged and grabbed the victim’s hand, which caused two fractures to Mr Edwards’ little finger and left the bone protruding out of his knuckle.”

The court heard that following his arrest, Cranton, who was 17 at the time of the incident, denied being aggressive or shouting at Mr Edwards but did admit causing him harm.

He told officers he “felt unsafe” after being “undertaken” by the driver.

Mitigating, Gemma White said that Cranton, who works lashing cars at Southampton Docks, suffers from learning and mental health difficulties which make him “act before he thinks”.

She added: “It was not until he was arrested that he understood the level of injury he had caused. He does recognise his behaviour was unacceptable.”

Deputy Circuit Judge Ralls QC said the case was “a classic example of road-rage”.

Cranton of Southbourne Avenue, Holbury, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.