A dog walker launched an expletive-laden tirade at passing motorists and members of the public after a delivery driver ran over his beloved pet.

James Kelly pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour at a Maidstone Magistrates’ Court hearing today following the incident in October.

The court heard how the 39-year-old was cycling along Upper Fant Road at 9pm with his dog on a lead when a Sainsbury’s van hit the animal from behind with such force that it pulled him off his bike.

Kelly, who lives on the same road, then approached the vehicle, swearing at and threatening the driver who didn’t realise what had happened and fled the scene.

His dog had escaped and Kelly could be seen standing in the middle of the road waving his fists and swearing.

The defendant then approached drivers, banging on their cars and swearing at them in an effort to get them to assist in the search for his pet, he also walked up to local resident Roland Ward and said: “Stop looking at me or I’ll smash your face in.”

Kelly, who has six past convictions for nine offences, was arrested at the scene and while in custody his dog was found and handed in to the police station.

Jackie Hamilton, chair of the bench, told Kelly that he had gone about trying to get help in completely the wrong way and imposed a £50 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.