A van driver punched a doctor in the face during a violent road rage attack.

David Scourfield has been warned he could be jailed after he admitted attacking Dr Joseph Babicki in an angry confrontation in Eastern Road, Brighton.

At one point the 44-year-old’s girlfriend even tried to stop the assault by kicking her partner on the bottom.

But the violence only ended when a passerby stopped his car and pulled both men apart.

Scourfield, of Egremont Place, Brighton, who has no previous convictions, was later arrested.

At Lewes Crown Court he admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court was told violence flared on the evening of October 31 2008.

Ryan Richter, prosecuting, said Dr Babicki was a passenger in a Fiat Punto being driven by his partner, Dr Madeline French, along Eastern Road at about 9.30pm.

Miss French indicated to change lane but she became aware of a silver van accelerating behind her which meant she could not complete the manoeuvre. Miss French saw the van driver was shouting and shaking his fist at her. Mr Richter said the van cut in front of the car and when it stopped at red traffic lights, Scourfield got out and walked towards the Fiat. Miss French locked her door, but Dr Babicki got out to discuss the matter with Scourfield.

Mr Richter said: “As soon as he started to approach the defendant, he was struck in the face. The two men were involved in a scuffle.”

At one stage Scourfield was seen by witnesses to hold the doctor in a head-lock and punch him in the face.

Mr Richter said: “The defendant’s female passenger was seen shouting at him and kicking the defendant on his bottom to try to stop him continuing with the assault.”

Dr Babicki needed hospital treatment for his injuries, which included a loose tooth, cuts on his lip, a damaged finger and shoulder.

Scourfield was traced by his vehicle registration number to his home. At first he denied to police he had gone out all evening and later admitted being involved in the incident but claimed he had only acted in self-defence.

Judge Richard Brown adjourned sentence until April 27 and warned Scourfield all options would be considered, including custody.

Scourfield was released on bail.