A ‘FRACAS’ between two motorists, in the middle of the coronavirus crisis, resulted in one spitting in the face of the other, heard Skipton Magistrates Court.

Bed and breakfast owner, Paul Graham, 46, pulled out onto High Street, Burton- in- Lonsdale, at about 4.30 pm on June 26, last year, in front of motorist Blue Cundliffe.

The two drivers stopped, and there was an argument which ended with Graham spitting directly into the face of the other man, before driving off, the court heard on Friday.

Mr Cundliffe was tested for Covid-19, and also Hepatitis and HIV, after spittle went into his mouth, the court was told. He was left shocked and worried for several weeks because of his asthma and felt it was a disgusting incident, especially in the midst of coronavirus restrictions, he said in a personal statement.

The court was told he was driving along High Street with his partner, when he saw the other car, being driven by Graham at a junction. He suspected it would pull out, and it did.

Mr Cundliffe stopped, and raised his arms at Graham, which resulted in Graham shouting at him through his open window, said Nadine Clough, prosecuting.

Mr Cundliffe admitted to swearing at Graham, who responded by spitting, connecting with his face and mouth, before returning to his car and driving off, said Ms Clough.

A witness, who knew Graham, described the incident as ‘disgusting’, added Ms Clough.

Graham, later interviewed by police, said he remembered nothing about the incident. He however agreed to taking part in an identification parade, and was identified.

Graham, who admitted assault by beating, had spat at Mr Cundliffe because he had used bad language in front of his two children, who were travelling with him in his car, the court was told in mitigation.

David Leach told the court that Graham had pulled out onto the road because he was aware of the 20mph speed limit and believed he had enough time to join the flow of traffic.

He said a vehicle - being driven by Mr Cundliffe - had pulled up next to him and the driver had ‘screamed obscenities at him’ said Mr Leach.

“His 10 year old in the car began to cry. He was upset by the way the man was acting.

“(Mr Graham) utterly regrets what he did, and he should not have done it, but he was provoked by the way he was shouting at him in front of his child," said Mr Leach.

Mr Leach added that Graham owned a bed and breakfast business and since March last year, had had no custom and his only source of income was government grants.

Magistrates told Graham that they recognised he was not totally to blame for the fracas, but that he was the one who spat. They also believed it was a 'one-off' but that it was a serious incident, particularly as it had happened during Covid restrictions.

Graham, of Long Level, Ireby, was ordered to pay compensation of £500 to Mr Cundliffe. He was fined £833, with costs of £85 and a surcharge of £83.