An irate driver who chased a terrified motorist across town, throwing things at his car, has been banned from the road for a year.

Richard Brown tailgated the other vehicle from the Supermarine roundabout at Stanton Fizwarren through the town centre to Broome Manor.

And as well as chasing the other car with his lights off the 22-year-old also threw items at the vehicle and threatened the driver with a chain.

But after hearing Brown had undiagnosed mental health problems and had moved away from the area, a judge imposed a suspended sentence.

Claire Marlow, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how the incident took place on the evening of Saturday June 7, 2014.

At about 9.30pm she said Nathan Smith was driving his Citroen Saxo with his girlfriend on the edge of South Marston when he saw another Saxo behind him.

By the next roundabout he was aware it was tailgating him, driving within three feet of his bumper, with his lights not turned on.

Mr Smith's girlfriend turned round and noticed Brown looking very angry and mouthing words at them.

As they approached the traffic lights on Oxford Road he pulled up alongside and threw a bottle at the driver's window their car, which they both heard smash.

They could see he was still in a rage and shouting at them and he pulled in front trying to stop their vehicle.

Mr Smith pulled over but when he saw the burly driver get out swinging a chain at them, which hit a quarterlight on the car, he drove off again.

Brown followed and was seen driving with both hands off the wheel, gesticulating at them as his car weaved about the carriageway.

Miss Marlow said that Mr Smith managed to get away from the following car by going down a small road near Broome Manor.

She said "Both driver and passenger told how they were terrified."

Brown, now of Blackpool, Lancashire, admitted dangerous driving on Commercial Road, Oxford Road, Drakes Way, Drove Road, High Street, Marlborough Road and Broome Manor Lane, and threatening behaviour.

Jonathan Lewis, defending, said he had undiagnosed mental health problems at the time of the offence and he is now getting help for it in Lancashire.

He said he was sorry for what he had done and had saved £300 from his benefits to pay for the damage he caused.

Since moving away from the area he said he has been out of trouble after the incident, which took place more than 18 months ago.

Passing sentence Judge Tom Mousley QC said "Your driving on this occasion was nothing short of appalling.

"It must have been an incredibly frightening experience for the occupants of the other motorcar and I am satisfied that is exactly what you wanted to achieve.

"I note at all times you had no lights on and at the end you behaved aggressively to the other car by throwing items at it."

He imposed a 10 month jail term suspended for 18 months with supervision, £300 compensation and banned him from the road for a year.