A driver who punched Labour MP Joe Sammut in a road rage incident was yesterday jailed for six months, with the court saying it had no tolerance for someone who acted like a “cowboy”.

Philip Zahra, 43, of Naxxar, was also found guilty of threatening Dr Sammut with a knife while they were waiting at the Luxol traffic lights in St Andrew’s.

Dr Sammut told Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera he was on his way to a political activity in Buġibba on November 24, 2013, at around 3pm when his car was blocked by Mr Zahra’s vehicle.

Mr Zahra got out of his car carrying a knife and went up to Mr Sammut’s car. He then punched him in the mouth, saying “since you are an MP, enjoy it”, and left.

Dr Sammut said he did not know the man and filed a police report. He also went to hospital where he was certified as being slightly injured. The police searched Mr Zahra’s car and Naxxar residence but did not find the knife. Mr Zahra testified that he stopped at the lights and the driver behind him flashed his headlamps, swore at him and told him to move over so he could go past.

The accused described this as verbal provocation and he got out of his car to see why the other driver was shouting. When he got close to his window, Dr Sammut pulled at his jacket, Mr Zahra said. He pulled free, got back into his car and drove off, he said, adding that he had not recognised the driver.

Mr Zahra had told the police that he could have hit Dr Sammut by accident but denied holding a knife.

He also said that Dr Sammut told him “do you know what you are doing… I am Honourable Sammut”.

In her judgment, Magistrate Scerri Herrera noted that Mr Zahra did not deny punching Dr Sammut.

She severely condemned his actions and said the court would never let anyone act like a “cowboy”.

Mr Zahra had a suspended sentence for slightly injuring a warden and damaging his car in 2010. But he had not learnt his lesson because here he was again facing similar charges, Magistrate Scerri Herrera said.

“The court wants to use a firm hand and not give the impression that people can act like cowboys.”

Even though there were conflicting versions, she continued, Dr Sammut had testified calmly and described the weapon while Mr Zahra was more focused on dismissing the other witnesses instead of on giving his testimony.

Mr Zahra was also found guilty of slightly injuring Dr Sammut, threatening him, being in possession of a knife without a police licence and insulting him.

He was also found guilty of blocking Dr Sammut’s car.

The court jailed him for six months and fined him €200, as well as issuing a two-year protection order for Dr Sammut.