A DRIVER who got out of his car on Coppins Bridge before marching up to another man and punching him through his car window has appeared in court.

Jamie Collins, 29, of Slade Road, Ryde, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday when he pleaded guilty to one count of assault.

The victim was sitting in traffic with his partner on Coppins Bridge when he was suddenly punched in the face through his car window.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said: "The defendant and Mr Collins know each other from formerly working together at UKSA.

"The pair had a falling out over a an amount of money that Mr Collins had lent the complainant that was never repaid.

"A bystander who was in traffic behind the victim saw the whole thing and told police that Collins was shouting abuse at the victim as he walked back to his car." In a personal statement the victim detailed how the attack caused him to spit blood and left him with two broken dentures.

Collins had been originally dealt with by police by way of a conditional caution, but he failed to pay the £50 compensation that was ordered.

Defending Collins, Barry Arnett said: "On this particular day Mr Collins saw red.

"He couldn't afford to lose the £50 as he had just had another child.

"He understands that he's never getting that money back from the complainant, he's just put that down to a learning experience."

The magistrates ordered Collins to pay compensation of £100 to the victim.