A TAXI driver was dragged from his car and punched during a late night road rage attack, a court heard. Carlo Carta beat taxi driver Richard Knight, snatched the keys from the ignition and drove off.

Carta, aged 35, of St Helens Road, Leigh, was given community sentences and banned for 12 months at Bolton Crown Court. He must take an extended re-test to regain his licence. He admitted dangerous driving, common assault and theft.

Recorder Simon Newell sentenced Carta to a two-year Community Rehabilitation Order with a condition he attend the rigorous Think First Programme.

He was also sentenced a 60-hour Community Punishment Order and in order to regain his licence he will have to take an extended re-test.

Prosecutor Michael Leeming said taxi driver Richard Knight, aged 45, was taking a fare from the Shepherd Inn in Lowton towards Leigh. In his mirror he saw a Ford Mondeo coming up at speed. The driver was flashing his lights and sounding the horn.

Carta swerved into the taxi, forcing it to stop. He and a passenger jumped out, dragged Mr Knight from the vehicle and punched him. He said he felt his eyes being gouged.

Carta then grabbed the ignition keys and drove off. Mr Knight said it cost him £300 to replace them.

The court heard that Carta, who had several previous convictions for violence and damage, had lost his temper.He claimed the taxi driver had pulled out in front of him but accepted he had lost his temper and gone too far.

He denied trying to gouge Knight's eyes and said that he didn't take the ignition keys with him but threw them away at the scene.