A disqualified driver, who threatened to “stave” his car into the front of an off duty policeman’s vehicle, came close to spending Christmas in prison.
Sam Tooke (23), of High Road, Whaplode, was given the warning when he appeared in court for sentence for driving while banned and without insurance.
Magistrates instead imposed a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for a year, with 12 months supervision by probation and a requirement to attend a thinking skills programme.
Tooke must also pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
He pleaded guilty to both offences at a previous hearing.
John Clare, prosecuting, said the police officer was refuelling his car at Whaplode on November 3 when Tooke did a handbrake turn on the forecourt.
The officer spoke to Tooke, who swore and said he would drive how he liked and that he would stave his car “into the front of yours, if you are not careful”.
Mr Clare said Tooke reversed off, performing another handbrake turn.
He said Tooke was subject to two driving disqualifications at the time.
Solicitor Anita Toal, mitigating, said Tooke disputed the manner of his driving, the handbrake turns, and he wasn’t present in court on either occasion when he was banned.
Presiding magistrate Richard Spinks said: “You realise, Mr Tooke, that you could be spending Christmas in prison? You have come very close to it.”