A DRIVER who ran over another motorist just moments after their cars were involved in a minor crash has been spared a spell behind bars.

Ian Martin, aged 40, knocked the other man onto the bonnet of his vehicle after they had exchanged details, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The victim grabbed hold of the windscreen wipers on Martin's car, which sliced into his hands before he finally lost his grip and hit the road.

Patrick Sullivan, prosecuting, said Martin, a father-of-three, then drove away from the scene and did not report what had happened to police until later that day.

The court heard that it was still unclear who was responsible for the minor knock between the two cars and victim, Darren Watkins, had become concerned when Martin simply scrawled his name and phone number onto a scrap of paper.

Mr Sullivan said he became additionally worried when Martin appeared anxious to get away and his car started to edge forward before sending Mr Watkins flying onto the bonnet.

"The defendant drove straight at him throwing his body onto the bonnet where he clung onto the windscreen wipers before falling off," he added.

Mr Watkins, who damaged nerves and tendons in his hands, had to go to hospital for treatment and he continued to suffer physically and emotionally as a result of the incident.

Martin, of Chapel Street, Pensnett, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and he was given a 14 month jail term, suspended for 18 months.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Simon Rippon, defending, told the court that at the time Martin, who was further told he must obey a curfew order, had been suffering from anxiety and depression.

He said he started moving his car forward with the intention of getting Mr Watkins to move out of the way.

"He then accelerated which is something he bitterly regrets," said Mr Rippon.