A 47-YEAR-OLD plumber launched a vicious attack on a poorly elderly man when he "saw red mist" during a road rage incident.

Scott John Lee pushed Graham Green into a wall and screamed at shocked witnesses: "I am going to smash his head off" during a terrifying incident in Poole, District Judge Stephen Nicholls was told.

Prosecutor Lee Turner told Poole magistrates' court that Lee, of Old Farm Road, Poole, ran towards Mr Green, who is aged in his 70s, with clenched fists, "shouting and pushing him."

Mr Green had recently undergone a lung operation and was wearing a stoma bag.

His shirt was ripped from him as he attempted to get away from his attacker during the incident in Adastral Road, Canford Heath, the court was told.

Lee's attack only came to an end when Mr Green was helped back to his car by a passer-by who intervened and called the police.

A motorcyclist who came to Mr Green's aid was forced to threaten the defendant to stop the assault.

The judge was told the attack happened after Lee believed Mr Green had flashed his lights to allow him out of a junction .

As he made the move, Mr Green's car collided with Lee's vehicle, forcing it on to the pavement.

Lee pleaded guilty to assaulting Graham Green by beating, using threatening or abusive behaviour and using a vehicle without a valid MOT on August 9 this year.

The court was told Lee "absolutely saw red" and admits he grabbed Mr Green and pushed him. He also admitted being "very mouthy" during the incident.

Lee said he was horrified to hear that his his victim was in his 70s.

The case was adjourned until November 8 for sentence.