A TEENAGE driver who threw a car jack out of his window at another motorist in a road rage incident has been told he could face up to seven years in prison.

Toby Lee O’Neil followed another motorist out of Dalton and onto the A590 angered by an incident in the town, a court has heard.

He then overtook the other driver and launched the car jack from his window.

It missed the driver and any other vehicles but could have caused serious injury, magistrates were told.

The 19-year-old, of Low White Close in Barrow, pleaded guilty to causing danger to road users and driving with no insurance when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.

He is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court after magistrates heard the offence carried a maximum sentence of seven years.

Prosecutor George Shelley said it happened on July 19.

“This is effectively a road rage incident,” he said.

“There was a verbal disagreement over a vehicle manoeuvre.

“The defendant has followed the motorist and when leaving the other driver has realised he is being followed onto the A590.

“The defendant has then overtaken him and thrown a car jack out the window.

“It landed on the carriageway, missing any vehicles, and didn’t cause any damage to property.

“However it caused danger to other road users.

“It could’ve been more serious had the jack made contact with a vehicle.”

Defence solicitor Michael Graham argued for the case to be sent to the crown court, saying: “Who knows what could’ve happened?”

The court heard that road rage incident are usually followed by a custodial sentence.

Chair of the bench Stephen Sim said: “We have considered this quite seriously and we have taken this as a road rage incident.

“You launched a missile so I feel our sentencing powers are insufficient.”

Magistrates sent the case to the crown court, where O’Neil is due to appear on April 12 to be sentenced.

He has been bailed unconditionally until then.