Man jailed after brutal assault on 82-year-old in road rage attack

Lee Symonds, 42, attacked John Knowles during the incident on Friday August 4, 2023.

Knowles would go on to receive life-changing injuries after taking a drive to his local supermarket.

Mr Knowles was travelling along Broughton Road when he pulled out of a junction in a reasonable manner onto the A59 at Carleton.

Within 50-60 yards of being on the A59, a small hatchback car driven by Symonds came alongside Mr Knowles’ car and proceeded to try barge him off the road.

After this attempt had been unsuccessful, Symonds continued to overtake the vehicle and brake sharply in front of him.

Mr Knowles managed to react in time to avoid a collision taking place and then tried to overtake to remove himself from the erratic driving that was taking place.

Symonds blocked his overtake and again braked sharply in front of him, this time causing a collision.

Symonds then immediately left his vehicle and began walking towards Mr Knowles, who had also exited his vehicle and was stood next to it in the carriageway.

It was then that Symonds began his violent attack.

Mr Knowles endured multiple punches to the head, before falling back and slumping against his car, to which Symonds then continued the attack by using the car door as a weapon to repeatedly slam into Mr Knowles’ head.

This incident was witnessed and interrupted by members of the public, who stopped to assist as Symonds fled the scene.

Mr Knowles suffered multiple fractures to his eye and cheek bone, a displaced tooth and nerve damage, which left him unable to eat for 10 days and required round the clock care from his family.

Within six weeks of the attack, he also suffered two subdural haematomas, both requiring surgeries.

This was as a result of the severe head trauma suffered at the hands of Symonds on that day.

Symonds, of Greatwood Avenue, Skipton, was sentenced on Thursday July 16 at Bradford Crown Court for dangerous driving and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Symonds was handed a jail sentence of 12 years after changing his initial plea of not guilty to guilty.

He was also banned from driving and is required to take an extended driving test before he can get his licence back.

Mr Knowles’ daughter spoke up in court, directing her statement at Symonds about the life-changing effects this incident has had on their family.

She said: "His three grandchildren and I became carers overnight. Working shifts to stay with him making sure he had someone with him at all times - administering pain medication, preparing his liquid diet, tending to his every need and making sure he was safe while mobilising round the house. As an old school, proud man we know this is the last thing he wanted and to this day, he constantly thanks us for saving his life.

“All of that was almost three years ago now and writing this today, it is still difficult for me to comprehend that he was subjected to such a savage road rage attack resulting in life changing consequences that we, as a family, continue to experience on a daily basis.

“The outcome for dad has been that yes, he survived, but his quality of life changed for the worse and he will never get that back.

“We have come to accept that, realistically, he will never be the same again now.

“You robbed a vulnerable, elderly man of precious quality time in the twilight of his years. You took away his confidence, his independence, his freedom and his dignity. At 85 years of age, every year of independence, confidence and good health matter - they cannot be replaced."

Leading on the case, Police Staff Investigator Lorraine Whipp said: “This was an horrific and unprovoked attack that subjected Mr Knowles and his family to years of ongoing trauma.

“Symonds also drew out the case outcome by pleading not guilty at the first hearing, subjecting the family to years of waiting and anxiety for the trial.

“I would like to recognise the strength and resilience that Mr Knowles and his family have shown to ensure this case comes to justice. We would also like to extend that appreciation to the members of public who stopped to assist on the day and have come forward at witnesses in this case.

“I hope the outcome at court today can give the Mr Knowles and the family some comfort and strength.”