AN OLYMPIC athlete and former member of the elite Special Boat Service (SBS) has admitted he "lost his head" in a road rage incident in Sandbanks

Bernie Shrosbree, who has also worked with some of the world's top athletes as a high performance coach, was on his bike when he ripped a mirror off a Mercedes before launching a sustained attack on the car and its driver.

On Monday, magistrates in Poole heard Shrosbree was cycling with a friend after getting off the Sandbanks Ferry when he encountered victim Howard Harvey, who was driving a black Mercedes.

The 60-year-old, who claims his clients include F1 drivers Jenson Button and Mark Webber, had initially denied causing £3,700 worth of damage to the car. He changed his plea on the day of a planned trial.

Shrosbree also admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour during the incident on September 29 last year.

Prosecuting, David Finney said the defendant and a friend were cycling side by side when a female motorist sounded her horn.

Shrosbree waved her on and there was a verbal exchange, the court heard.

The victim, Mr Harvey, was travelling in his Mercedes behind the woman. He too sounded his horn and pulled up alongside the cyclists.

Mr Finney said: "Swear words were exchanged and there was contact between the vehicle and the bike."

The defendant then ripped the mirror off the car and kicked the bodywork. He also allegedly attacked the driver as he sat behind the wheel, the court heard. No evidence was offered by the prosecution on a third charge of assaulting Mr Harvey by beating him.

"[Shrosbree] threw blows towards the victim. The victim did not throw blows back," the prosecutor said.

"The defendant reached inside, took the keys and threw them into a nearby overgrown front garden. They could not be found.

"He attempted to pull the car door off its hinges and also damaged seats and upholstery."

Shrosbree, of Clifton Road in Poole, cycled off with his friend after the incident. He returned to the scene later and was arrested.

He told police he was "absolutely livid" and "lost his head", the court heard.

Magistrates were told Shrosbree was in the Royal Marines for more than 16 years, ten of which were spent in the SBS.

He represented Great Britain in both summer and winter Olympics and was national triathlon and cross-country skiing champion.

More recently, Shrosbree trained Olympic rowing gold medallist James Cracknell.

He has also won TV's Survival of the Fittest three times and coaches in various disciplines including adventure sports, Nordic skiing, triathlon and winter biathlon.

Magistrates ordered the defendant to pay £3,700 in compensation. He must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.