Driver jailed after 'brutal' attack on elderly man

A road-rage driver who left an 82-year-old man with two brain bleeds after punching him and slamming a car door into his head has been jailed for 12 years.

Lee Symonds launched the "horrific and unprovoked attack" on John Knowles on the outskirts of Skipton in August 2023 while the two drivers were travelling on the A59.

Symonds, 42, of Greatwood Avenue, Skipton, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday after admitting dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Addressing Symonds in court, Mr Knowles' daughter said: "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."

Mr Knowles was travelling to a local supermarket at the time and was confronted by Symonds after joining the A59, North Yorkshire Police said.

The defendant repeatedly attempted to force Mr Knowles' vehicle off the road, with Symonds forcing a crash after braking "sharply in front of him".

After both men exited their cars, the defendant punched Knowles multiple times in the head before repeatedly slamming a car door into him.

The attack was eventually stopped by members of the public, who came to Mr Knowles' aid as Symonds fled the scene.

The force said Mr Knowles suffered fractures to his eye socket and cheekbone, a displaced tooth and nerve damage, leaving him unable to eat for 10 days.

He required around-the-clock care from family members and later underwent surgery for bleeds on the brain caused by the head injuries.

His daughter said she and Mr Knowles' three grandchildren had "become carers overnight".

"His quality of life changed for the worse and he will never get that back," she said.

Symonds, who initially denied the charges before changing his pleas to guilty, was also given a driving ban and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.

Police staff investigator Lorraine Whipp said: "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."

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