A THUG who headbutted a cyclist in a road rage incident – and was caught because of his distinctive tattoos – has escaped going to prison after a court heard that his mum is dying.

Ashley Rogers, of Bisley Old Road in Stroud, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for sentencing, having been found guilty of committing the offence on October 1 last year at a trial on April 18 this year.

Prosecuting, Jessica Dobson said the 29-year-old attacked cyclist Richard Child in Bisley Old Road.

She said the victim said he shouted “Oi” at a car that he said “cut him up” when passing in front of him.

Miss Dobson said that Mr Child said Rogers started to shout and use abusive language.

The court heard that a female in the front of the car told Rogers to “leave it” but he did not heed her advice.

He got out of the car and pushed the victim into a hedge, telling him he had “picked the wrong f**** bloke”, before headbutting him.

Miss Dobson said: “He was left standing by the hedge in a daze and in a state of shock.”

She said Mr Child reported the incident to the police the next day and later picked Rogers out at an identity parade, due to his distinctive tattoos.

She added that his injuries included a chipped tooth and reddening of the cheek.

The court heard that Rogers was driving a car registered to his parents, with whom he lives, but had no insurance.

Miss Dobson said Mr Child had been a confident cyclist but was now more nervous when on the road.

The court heard that Rogers had been given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, on March 16 last year, for harassing his former partner.

A probation officer told the court that unemployed Rogers still “totally denied” attacking Mr Child.

He said he cared for his mother, who was very ill, and feared his father would struggle if he was sent to prison.

The officer revealed that Rogers was £6,000 to £7,000 in debt, an alcoholic and cocaine user. He also suffered from depression, ADHD and had tried to take an overdose recently.

Defending, David Brown said to district judge Joti Bopa Rai: “It’s a plea for him and his family. I can confirm that his mother has terminal lung cancer.

“It’s a matter of weeks, if not a month, unfortunately.”

He added that Rogers had the chance to start a job next week.

The judge said she was willing to give Rogers another chance.

She sentenced him to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

She also added six penalty points to his driving licence, ordered him to pay a £115 victim surcharge, pay the victim £200 compensation and pay £300 towards court costs.