A MINISTRY of Defence civil servant hit a woman in a roadside row after claiming her wing mirror had clipped his.

David Paul Williams admitted assaulting a woman by beating when he appeared before magistrates.

The victim had been driving on a country lane near Llangrove when she came up against Williams travelling in the opposite direction on January 1, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

She pulled over onto the verge to let Williams by, but as she drove away after he passed, she heard shouting and screaming from behind.

The victim reversed and got out of her car to speak to Williams, who accused her of failing to stop after an accident.

"There was no damage and she was confused by this," Miss Blacklock said.

"She says he told her "you have no idea who you are dealing with," and she felt threatened.

"She said "well, neither do you," and he ignited.

The court heard Williams hit her on the arm before walking back to his car, hurling obscenities at her and driving off.

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Chris Read, for Williams, said the 49-year-old had stopped and shouted at the victim after their wing mirrors clipped each other on a narrow road.

"The two of them exchanged words, things got heated, and he struck her on the arm" he said.

"There are two other witnesses who say the lady had something in her hands and looked like she was writing something down.

"He says that at the time he thought her movements somewhat threatening, but accepts he misinterpreted the situation.

"He is a man of previous good character and is a former soldier who served for more than 30 years and now works as a civil servant for the Ministry of Defence."

Williams, of Lavender Close, Llangrove, was fined £600 and ordered to pay compensation of £100. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £60 victim surcharge.