A MAN who used his car as a “weapon” by trying to run down a female traffic warden following a ticket dispute has been jailed.

John Glass, of Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, flipped after a blazing row with one of Southend Council’s civil enforcement officers in Cheltenham Drive, Leigh, on January 20.

The 28-year-old hit Christina Wright with his Ford Focus, although no injuries were caused.

He denied three charges relating to the incident when he appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court this month.

The court heard how Glass “lost his temper” and used the car “as a weapon” while Mrs Wright was simply carrying out her job.

Glass denied one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in order to cause his victim harassment, alarm or distress.

He also denied a charge of assault by beating and one count of driving without due care and attention in Cheltenham Drive, Leigh.

Mrs Wright has since left her job because of the distress caused by the incident.

Tony Cox, executive councillor for transport, waste and cleansing, said: “We can confirm that the victim was a member of parking company APCOA staff, working on behalf of Southend Council, at the time of the incident, but has since left the company.

“We are extremely pleased with the verdict, which sends out a clear message that aggression and violence to enforcement officers will not be tolerated.

“APCOA and Southend Council have a zero tolerance approach to such actions by members of the public.

“We will use the letter of the law to protect staff trying to do their job and we will seek prosecutions where appropriate.”

He added that although assaults on traffic wardens in the Southend area are uncommon, they are on the rise nationally.

He said: “Clearly this was extreme as he has been jailed for 28 days.

“It is extremely rare but I know if you look at it nationally assaults on traffic wardens have been increasing.

“Violence against council staff is completely unacceptable. Nobody should have to put up with being attacked while they are going about their daily job.

“Someone could attack me because they don’t like councillors or politicians.

“We will always seek prosecution.”

Glass was found guilty after a trial and was sentenced to 28 days in prison for each offence, although they will all run at the same time.

He was ordered to pay £300 costs, £300 compensation to his victim and an £80 victim surcharge.

Magistrates also added six points to his licence.