A DRIVER who half blinded another motorist in a road rage incident at a Bradford roundabout has been warned to expect a prison sentence.

Marvin Edmondson was today cleared by a jury of intending to cause Ephraim Fontaine serious injury in the violent confrontation at midday on April 23 last year.

Edmondson, 26, of Westfield Crescent, Undercliffe, Bradford, said Mr Fontaine was spoiling for a fight when both men pulled up at the roundabout between Otley New Road and Barkerend Road.

He said Mr Fontaine, 30, punched him first, knocking him down. He blacked out and recalled nothing until he woke at his mother's home.

Edmondson was acquitted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He had already pleaded guilty to the less serious charge of unlawful wounding and he was bailed to be sentenced on July 3.

His barrister, Simon Batiste, said Edmondson was very lightly convicted, with no offences for assault on his record.

Mr Batiste asked for a report from the probation service to look into his client's background.

Judge Jonathan Rose told Edmondson it was an extremely serious offence in which a young man lost his sight in one eye.

"The overwhelming probability is that you will receive a prison sentence," he said.

During the trial, Edmondson told the jury he did not start the violence.

He said he had neglected to inject insulin for several days before the incident and was "drowsy and lethargic".

Mr Fontaine dangerously "cut him up" in his black Volkswagen Golf and he stopped his blue Ford Focus to sort the matter out.

"He threw a punch at me and I grappled with him and we both fell to the ground," he said.

He did not accept that he pushed his fingers into his eyes,.

Edmondson told the court: "I was the victim of a road rage incident when the other man attacked me."

He added: "I didn't intend to do damage. We were both in a rage."

Edmondson's barrister, Mr Batiste, said his client "lost his temper and threw a few punches".

He did not gouge at his eyes in a deliberate attempt to cause him serious harm.

Mr Batiste also questioned why Mr Fontaine left the scene when he was so badly injured, and why he did not go to the police for six days.

"Did he have something to hide? Was he concerned that he may be in trouble?" Mr Batiste asked the jury.