Neville Cleland pleaded not guilty by way of self-defence but has a history of violence on the roads, including convictions for recklessly causing serious injury, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public and failing to stop.

Cleland punched then 81-year-old John Scott in the face as he lay limp on the ground.

Mr Scott, now 83, suffered three fractures to his left jaw and severe cuts and bruising to his face and neck when he was attacked at the scene of a minor car accident at the intersection of Eaglehawk and Marong Roads.

Full details in tomorrow's Bendigo Advertiser.