A DRIVER who used a steering-wheel crook lock to inflict serious injuries on two men in a road-rage brawl was acting legitimately in self-defence, a court has decided.

A jury at Salisbury Crown Court acquitted Mohammed Emamy (27), of Sandy Lane, Redlynch, of affray, accepting his defence that he was set upon by two men armed with shovels and used reasonable force to save himself.

His co-defendants, William Gillard (40) and Stephen Fotheringham (35), were both found guilty of affray.

The jury agreed with Emamy that the two men, who had been travelling together in a VW van, were the aggressors in a pitched battle, which took place after they had tailgated his Land Rover up the A338 from north of Downton to the Newbridge roundabout in Salisbury.

Shocked commuters watched the bloody fight unfold during the evening rush hour on February 1.

Witnesses reported seeing the two vehicles "having a go" at each other, swerving and overtaking for several miles.

Both drivers pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving. The jury acquitted them but convicted them of the lesser charge of careless and inconsiderate driving.

Gillard, of Broadfield Road, East Gomeldon, Fotheringham, of Windsor Road, Salisbury and Emamy denied affray. The jury took five-and-a-half hours to convict Gillard and Fotheringham by a majority of 11 to one.

Judge Dyer adjourned sentence until January 8.