A CHARD man has appeared in court accused of verbally abusing a woman during a road rage incident in Winsham after two cars met on a narrow lane.

Daniel Court allegedly told the complainant she was “a stupid fat cow”, but when things started to escalate the female passenger got back into her car and her husband drove off.

The 30-year-old defendant, of Holvert Lane, Winsham, appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge that in January 15 this year at Chard, with intent to cause Deborah March harassment, alarm or distress, he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour.

Prosecutor Julyan Stephens said the alleged incident occurred when the defendant was driving his vehicle in Winsham when he met a car travelling in the opposite direction being driven by the complainant’s husband.

Both vehicles were required to stop to allow them to pass and Court was alleged to have been aggressive and then verbally remonstrated with Mrs March.

He said that as a result of the incident the complainant said he had felt “terrified and very shaken”.

Defending solicitor Greg Peters said that the defendant denied the allegation against him and stated that he was sworn at by the complainant.

Following a review of the case the allegation was adjourned for a trial date to be fixed and in the meantime he was released on bail.