A 22-year-old man has been jailed for 16 months after carrying out a violent and unprovoked assault on a motorist in Portsmouth.

Archie Phillips, of Braintree Road, Portsmouth, has been sentenced after attacking a 57-year-old man in a road rage incident that escalated into serious violence.

At around 5pm on Wednesday 2 July 2025, a man was driving along Hythe Road with his wife and her sister, when he brought his car to a stop as the road narrowed to a single lane.

An oncoming vehicle allowed him to come through, however the driver behind him, later identified as Phillips, became aggressive and shouted at the him as they drove along the road towards the junction with Allaway Avenue and Service Road in Paulsgrove.

Moments later, Phillips pulled up alongside the man’s car, got out of his vehicle, and approached the driver’s side.

Phillips attempted to open the car door, shouted racial abuse at the man, and then reached through the open window, grabbed him by his shirt, and punched him in the face.

The assault left the man with a fractured cheekbone, significant facial bruising, and ongoing issues with his vision. His vehicle was also damaged during the attack.

Phillips fled the scene immediately afterwards.

Following an investigation by the Portsmouth District Investigations team, Philips was arrested, charged, and subsequently pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

Phillips appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 19 June, where he was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment. He was also made subject to a restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim and two witnesses.

The officer in charge of the case said, “Phillips caused serious injuries to an innocent man who was just trying to go about his day, and he deserves to face jail time for his vile behaviour.

“This was an act of unnecessary and unacceptable violence that will not be tolerated in Portsmouth.

“We will continue to pursue anyone who harms, or threatens the safety of, those who live in and visit our City, and we will ensure they are put before the courts to face justice for their actions.”