AN enraged motorist pointed an imitation handgun at a terrified woman driver and her teenage daughter after their vehicle braked in front of his car on a road in Bradford.

Jacek Kozankiewicz lost his temper and drew the black BB gun on Allerton Road at 3pm on October 1 last year, Bradford Crown Court heard.

He was shouting and swearing and he threatened: “Do you want this, b****?” before driving away.

The court heard the terrifying incident began after the woman turned to avoid heavy traffic and was forced to brake.

Kozankiewicz, 44, of Hill Brow Close, Allerton, Bradford, shouted and swore at her before pulling alongside and pointing the small black handgun at her.

Her daughter had the presence of mind to take a photograph of his vehicle, telling the police it was “like something out of a film.”

Kozankiewicz, a forklift truck driver, handed himself into the police after disposing of the gun near the Aldi store in Allerton. It was found by a staff member and put into safekeeping.

He told the police he carried the gun and pellets around in his car to protect him after he had been robbed.

When the police searched the vehicle, they found a toy gun that was nothing like the BB weapon.

Kozankiewicz pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause the woman to believe that unlawful violence would be used against her.

In mitigation, it was stated that he was very remorseful and had shown a great deal of insight into the affect the incident would have had on his victims.

He had now completely stopped drinking alcohol and that had had a positive effect on his mental health.

Recorder Alistair MacDonald QC said both mother and daughter were extremely scared and shaken up.

He commended them for their fortitude and courage in dealing with what must have been a terrifying incident.

But Kozankiewicz had apologised and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He had expressed shame and remorse and the offence was completely out of character.

He had no intention of injuring anyone and there was no planning.

The pre-sentence report detailed the “significant and substantial distress” he was suffering at the time.

Kozankiewicz was otherwise a hardworking man leading a very worthwhile life, the recorder stated.

He was sentenced to an 18-month community order, with 150 hours of unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.