A NURSE was left terrified after a man punched her car window in a fit of road rage in the car park at Furness General Hospital. 

Brian Pattinson pleaded guilty at Furness Magistrates Court on Wednesday after the "unprovoked" road rage incident on December 14.

Pattinson, 54, of Holker Street, Barrow,  was charged with using threatening behaviour causing alarm and distress and driving a car in a public place without due consideration. 

He originally pleaded not guilty to both charges but changed his plea on the date of his trial. 

The court heard that at around 9am on December 14 Donna Parker, a nurse at the hospital, was travelling from her home to work.

Mr Andrew Travis, prosecuting, said: "She was turning out of Rating Lane on to Abbey Road and going towards Furness General Hospital. 

"As she approached the junction on Abbey Road she had to wait because there was a lot of traffic." 

It was then explained that Pattinson, who was driving a car behind her, started sounding at her. 

He then followed her as she made her way to FGH. 

In a statement given by Mrs Parker which was read out to the court she said: "The car followed me into the car park and he was still sounding his horn. I drove towards my parking space and could see that the driver behind me was annoyed and angry at me. 

"When he stopped his car and got out I was very frightened and locked myself in the car." 

The court then heard that Pattinson ran towards Mrs Parker's car and when he realised she had locked the doors he punched the driver's window with his fist and shouted abuse at her. 

Mrs Parker said: "This incident left me feeling very frightened and scared. 

"I think if he could have opened my door he would have hit me." 

The incident worried Mrs Parker that much that she moved her car and alerted hospital security. 

Mr Travis referred to the incident as "unprovoked". 

The court was also shown CCTV footage of Pattinson's car following Mrs Parker into the car park of FGH. 

Pattinson, who was represented himself in court, gave no defence. 

Presiding magistrate Mr Christopher Harris said: "We are placing you on a curfew order for the next 28 days. The seriousness of this has increased by the location which is a hospital where it's not beyond the realms of possibility that there was a lot of people around. 

"We noted from the CCTV footage your speed and how close you were to the other vehicle. 

You also offered no remorse." 

Pattinson was given five penalty points on his licence and was ordered to pay £325 court costs, £300 compensation and £60 victim surcharge.