A taxi driver has been jailed for deliberately crashing into his ex-girlfriend’s car and threatening her while wielding a baseball bat.

Dean Byron ploughed into Penelope Henry’s car in the early hours of August 24, 2014, in Paget, causing extensive damage to both vehicles and a third vehicle behind that of Ms Henry.

Prosecutors say Ms Henry was able to jump out of her vehicle “in the nick of time” before the impact and avoided any injuries.

Byron, 52, of Warwick, then got out of his car, took a baseball bat out of the trunk and began shouting “you better run”.

Yesterday at Supreme Court, Byron was sentenced to serve four months behind bars and pay Ms Henry $20,000 restitution.

He was also banned from driving for 18 months.

Prosecutor Nicole Smith described how Byron proceeded to repeatedly strike Ms Henry’s car with the baseball bat after the collision, smashing windows and mirrors, while Ms Henry ran inside a home close by.

She described Byron’s actions as “calculated and deliberate” and told the court that Ms Henry’s car was a complete write-off after the incident.

She said that Byron was angry with Ms Henry because he felt he never got any “closure” after the break-up of their 11-month relationship, two years earlier.

“Had it not been for her quick reactions she may have been physically injured,” Ms Smith said.

“The defendant has refused to sign her insurance claim. This is a man who has caused immense damage and emotional trauma and yet he has the audacity not to sign her insurance claim. Ms Henry has had to take out a loan to buy a new car.”

Yesterday, Byron’s lawyer, Elizabeth Christopher, maintained that her client had not driven at speed towards Ms Henry’s vehicle and had no intention of injuring her.

Meanwhile, Byron himself spoke for about 20 minutes, initially apologising for his actions but going on to maintain he was a “passionate guy” and that matters would never have reached the point they had if Ms Henry had spoken with him.

Acting Justice Juan Wolffe said: “I do not feel that the defendant is deeply remorseful of regretful.

“The vast majority of his address to the court was about him and how he was being victimised by Miss Henry and her family and by the system.

“Let me be clear, the victim in this case is Miss Henry. To compound matters, he further victimises Miss Henry by discrediting her reputation in this court.

“After nine months before the courts the defendant still exudes bitterness. Time has not healed the wounds inflicted by the break-up of this relationship. The bottom line is that the defendant refused to let it go.

“This was a crime against a woman. Unfortunately, the victimisation of women is all too prevalent in Bermuda and we need to send a very strong message that it will not be tolerated.”

Byron admitted charges of dangerous driving, possessing an offensive weapon, using threatening words and two counts of causing criminal damage.

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