A man has been jailed for 12 years after a road rage attack near Skipton left an elderly driver with life-changing injuries.
Lee Symonds, aged 42, from Skipton, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday (16th July) after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court heard the incident took place on 4th August 2023 on the A59 near Carleton.
John Knowles, who was 82 at the time, had pulled out onto the A59 from Broughton Road when Symonds, who was driving behind him, began driving aggressively.
According to North Yorkshire Police, Symonds attempted to force Mr Knowles off the road before overtaking and braking sharply in front of his vehicle.
When Mr Knowles attempted to move away from the situation, Symonds blocked his path and braked again, causing a collision.
After both vehicles stopped, Symonds got out of his car and assaulted Mr Knowles.
The court heard Mr Knowles was repeatedly punched before Symonds used the victim's car door to strike him several times.
Members of the public intervened and Symonds fled the scene.
Mr Knowles suffered multiple fractures to his eye socket and cheekbone, a displaced tooth and nerve damage.
He later developed two subdural haematomas, requiring surgery, which police said were linked to the head injuries sustained during the attack.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Knowles' daughter described the effect the incident had on her father and family.
She said:
"His three grandchildren and I became carers overnight, working shifts to stay with him, administering pain medication, preparing his liquid diet, tending to his every need and making sure he was safe while mobilising around the house.
"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.
"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."
As well as the prison sentence, Symonds was disqualified from driving and will be required to pass an extended driving test before he can regain his licence.
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