Yahoo News Angry A55 driver rammed into motorist who overtook him
A driver who suffered a "rush of blood" rammed a motorist trying to overtake him on the A55. Paul Woodward was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court today after being convicted of dangerous driving, following a trial at a magistrates court.
The court heard the 55-year-old, of Pennant Grove, Prestatyn, claimed it was the other driver who caused the incident in September 2023, on the eastbound carriageway at Rhuallt Hill. However CCTV clearly showed Woodward was at fault.
The prosecution said police had been called after a crash. Woodward was driving a white Citroen Berlingo van and the other motorist was driving a silver Golf.
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CCTV showed Woodward aggressively jostling with the driver of the Golf, before ramming him, spinning the car round to face the other way on the carriageway. Woodward was then aggressive to the man driving the Golf.
The vehicles were damaged in the incident, which was described as a "highly dangerous manoeuvre", by the prosecution. But fortunately nobody was seriously injured in the incident. Woodward, had 11 convictions for 13 offences, including an offence of driving without due care in 2012 and also an assault in a "road rage" incident.
Woodward, who was not represented, told the court he was sorry and he would accept whatever punishment he was given. His employers were waiting to see the outcome of the case.
Judge Petts said: "We have seen the CCTV and it is clear that you had a rush of blood to the head as you went up Rhuallt and as the car overtook you, you didn't take kindly to that."
He added: "You tried to block and ram him and he ended up spinning round. You caused some damage to his car....and he was caused some injury, physical and mental, but not to reach the level of serious injury, which is a separate offence."
The judge sentenced Woodward to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to carry out 20 days rehabilitation work and 150 hours unpaid work. He was banned from driving for 18 months and had to pay a statutory surcharge.
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