Gareth William Bostock, 24, of Dodgeholme Court, Mixenden, Halifax, admitted assaulting Stuart Hamilton on September 19 at 3.30pm.

Calderdale magistrates heard Bostock and his girlfriend were cycling along Victoria Road, Elland.

Nigel Hamilton, prosecuting, said the victim was driving his car but stopped when he saw an elderly couple crossing the road.

Bostock, who had been cycling on the pavement, crossed in front of the car but managed to miss the elderly couple.

His girlfriend followed him so that the driver of the car, who had been edging forwards, had to stop again.

The victim shouted at her and Bostock then walked back to the car to confront him.

Mr Hamilton said Bostock shouted at the driver: "Are you trying to run my girlfriend over?"

He then punched the car window, reached into the vehicle and took the keys from the ignition.

He threw them and they hit the driver in the face causing a cut.

Bostock them punched the victim on the nose before leaving with his girlfriend.

He was arrested later and told the police he heard his girlfriend scream as she was crossing in front of the car.

"The defendant said he would have apologised to the complainant," said Mr Hamilton. He told officers that he is "not a fighting person."

Mr Hamilton said Bostock had one previous conviction for violence dating back to 1997 but more recently had appeared for driving matters, drug offences and perverting the course of justice.

Larry Parks, for Bostock, said: "He is very remorseful for his actions."

The case was adjourned until February 18 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and Bostock was released on bail.