former taxi driver took revenge on a woman due to testify against him in court by subjecting her car to what a judge called a "prolonged, sustained act of vandalism".

Imran Lambat, 26, of Rowberrow Close, Fulwood, Preston, was due to stand trial for careless driving last March, Preston Crown Court heard.

But, on March 1, he took a hammer to the Ribbleton home of Jane Chamberlain and smashed four windows on her Ford Focus. The court heard he also slashed all four of her tyres and damaged the front wing of the car.

Paul Cummings, prosecuting, said Lambat knew that Miss Chamberlain was the main witness against him.

Mr Cummings added: "He said he did not do it to deter the witness from giving evidence." Lambat later admitted the charge of taking revenge.

Sergai Prokofiev, defending Lambat, said his client had admitted the damage and pleaded guilty four days before his trial. He said no comments or threats were made to Miss Chamberlain.

Lambat was further charged with an offence of dangerous driving in February last year.

Judge Stuart Baker sentenced Lambat to 51 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 300 hours unpaid work and pay £1,000 costs. He was disqualified from driving for two years.
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