A driver was given an 18-month jail term suspended for three years for beating a disabled person in a road rage incident three years ago.

Anthony Grech was driving his car in Żebbuġ with his disabled brother, John, as a passenger on May 2, 2010.

Another car driven by Frankie Falzon, 35, from Żebbuġ, overtook them and stopped suddenly. It then reversed and hit their car.

When the brothers got out to inspect the damage, Mr Falzon attacked them, the court heard. The Grechs testified Mr Falzon began beating John.

Anthony pleaded with him to stop then told his brother to get into the car and drive off.

They left the scene in their car but Mr Falzon followed them and began ramming their car until they found a parking area where the beating continued.

Mr Falzon punched John while he was still sitting in the car. Minutes later the police arrived and restrained Mr Falzon, the court heard.

Anthony told the magistrate that just before the incident he had been driving slowly. Mr Falzon, who was behind them, began sounding the horn before overtaking them.

Mr Falzon testified that he had stopped at a roundabout when the Grechs’ car crashed into his. When he got out of his car they started swearing and offending him, he said.

Asked if he was drunk, Mr Falzon initially said he consumed two glasses of wine but later admitted drinking beer. He said he regretted it when he found out John was disabled.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli concluded the brothers were more credible.