A COVENTRY driver has been jailed for a vicious road rage attack on a pensioner.
Richard Bennett repeatedly slammed a car door on the 69-year-old’s arm and leg following a minor dispute in Coventry on September 24 last year.
Bennett – who a court heard was previously of good character – flagged down his victim in Coundon Street.
As the victim tried to get out of the car, Bennett attacked him by smashing the driver’s door repeatedly, causing significant injuries.
Bennett then hurled abuse at the pensioner before pushing him over and leaving the scene.
The 36-year-old was identified as the car owner. Interviewed by police, he claimed the other vehicle had nearly caused an accident and that he had wanted to speak to the driver about putting him and his passengers’ safety at risk.
He denied any attack. But officers secured a number of witness statements.
Bennett, of Villiers Street, Coventry, admitted wounding at Warwick Crown Court last Thursday (September 14) and was jailed for four years.
Detective constable Sarah Vaughan said: “This was a cowardly and needless attack which left a pensioner with significant injuries.
“Bennett was previously a man of good character but the red mist descended on him after becoming agitated by another driver.
“There can be no excuse for such a level of violence and this prison sentence should act as a strong warning that incidents of road rage will not be tolerated.”
