A road rage driver has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after a brutal assault on an 82-year-old man in North Yorkshire. Lee Symonds, 42, of Greatwood Avenue, Skipton, launched a 'horrific and unprovoked attack' on John Knowles in August 2023, leaving him with severe head injuries, including two brain bleeds.
The incident unfolded on the A59 on the outskirts of Skipton as Mr Knowles was driving to a local supermarket. North Yorkshire Police stated that Symonds repeatedly attempted to force Mr Knowles' vehicle off the road, eventually causing a collision by braking sharply in front of him. After both men exited their cars, Symonds began punching Mr Knowles multiple times in the head before repeatedly slamming a car door into him.
The assault was eventually brought to an end by members of the public who intervened to assist Mr Knowles, while Symonds fled the scene. Mr Knowles sustained fractures to his eye socket and cheekbone, a displaced tooth, and nerve damage, which left him unable to eat for 10 days. He subsequently required round-the-clock care from his family and underwent surgery for the brain bleeds caused by the head trauma.
During the sentencing at Bradford Crown Court, Mr Knowles' daughter spoke of the devastating impact of the attack on her father and family. She highlighted how Symonds had 'robbed a vulnerable, elderly man of precious quality time in the twilight of his years' and stripped him of his confidence, independence, freedom, and dignity. She added that she and Mr Knowles' three grandchildren had 'become carers overnight,' noting that his quality of life had irrevocably changed for the worse.
Symonds initially denied the charges but later changed his pleas to guilty, admitting dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. In addition to his prison sentence, he has been issued a driving ban and will be required to pass an extended driving test before he can legally drive again. Police Staff Investigator Lorraine Whipp commended the resilience shown by Mr Knowles and his family, as well as the members of the public who assisted at the scene and came forward as witnesses.