Dad driving home with his young son 'lost his temper'... now he's been left 'deeply ashamed of his actions'

A businessman who mowed down a group of teenagers with his 4x4 before reversing over one of them after becoming infuriated at them walking in the middle of the road has avoided jail.

Ashley Hulme, a 35 year old father-of-two, lost his cool and drove his Toyota C-HR into four teens aged between 16 and 17 following an argument where he accused them of intentionally obstructing his path as he left a snooker club. One boy was shoved into bushes by the impact, suffering a broken arm, while another sustained bruises when the Toyota reversed into him.

Investigations revealed that one of Hulme's children was present during the incident. When questioned, Hulme, who operates a £500,000 per annum groundwork and excavation business with 15 staff, admitted to episodes of ''irritability'' and an ''inability to control his emotions".

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He is currently seeking psychological treatment for his volatile temper outbursts. At Chester Crown Court, Hulme pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and using threatening behaviour.

He received a two-year suspended sentence, with orders to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation to the more seriously injured boy and £500 to the other injured lad. His not guilty pleas to causing GBH and affray were accepted.

The incident occurred on April 21, 2022, after Hulme, from Congleton, Cheshire, had visited Congleton Snooker Club. Prosecutor Philip Clemo stated: ''At approximately 6.25pm, he was seen to leave the club holding a small child, got into his car and drove down Royle Street.

There he came