A serial road rage offender, who punched a motorist after pursuing him through the streets of Dunfermline, has skipped the country.

Instead of attending at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing, Antonio Bocchino has returned to his native Italy.

One of his victims had his young child was in the car when he was subjected to racist abuse, then punched and knocked to the ground by Bocchino.

In another incident, Bocchino grabbed a baseball bat, chased a driver and then smashed his van.

However, on sentencing day, the court was told that 34-year-old Bocchino had gone back to Italy for unspecified “medical reasons”.

Defence solicitor Brian Black told the sheriff: “I’m as much in the dark as you, I’m afraid.”

Bocchino, of Whitelaw Road, Dunfermline, previously admitted offences committed in the city last year.

On May 14, at Garvock Hill, he shouted, swore, pursued a man with a baseball bat and repeatedly struck his car with the bat.

On May 24, at Woodmill Road and Blacklaw Road, he drove carelessly, overtook and increased his speed.

And on September 19, at Dunnock Road, he shouted, swore and made racially offensive remarks towards a male driver.

He also assaulted the man by punching him on the head to his injury.

Sheriff Wylie Robertson said: “I’m very concerned that he takes himself to Italy at a time when reports have been called for.”

He adjourned the case until March 13.