Another road rage incident has left a man with life-changing injuries after being crushed between two vehicles. The perpetrator, Francesco Ippolito, has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for the brutal attack.
How road rage turned violent
The incident occurred on Banwell Road near Hutton Garden Centre in Weston-super-Mare. Ippolito became enraged when his Volkswagen Transporter’s wing mirror hit another van driver.
He got out of his vehicle to confront the other driver and two other men, before driving his van at one of them.
The devastating impact of the attack on the victim’s life
Ippolito fled to Bristol but was later arrested. His victim, who suffered fractures to both legs and a broken pelvis, has had to undergo multiple operations.
In a statement, the victim said that the attack had ruined his life, leaving him unable to go out unaided or play with his children.
Ippolito initially denied the charge of grievous bodily harm but changed his plea to guilty two weeks before the trial was due to take place. At Bristol Crown Court, he was sentenced to nine years and four months in custody.
Previous conviction: how the past caught up with him in court
This is not the first time Ippolito has been involved in a driving incident.
In 2009, he was convicted of causing the death of a man by careless driving. As a result, he has been classified as a dangerous offender and will remain on licence for an extended period of five years following his release from prison.
Sentencing
Judge William Hart described the attack as an “insignificant everyday event” that led to extreme violence. He told Ippolito that he had lost his self-control with devastating consequences.
The judge also highlighted the severity of the victim’s injuries, stating that the consequences were “very grave indeed.”
Investigation and aftermath
Detective Sergeant Rachel Walls commended the investigation team for their thorough work in locating Ippolito and securing the evidence needed for his guilty plea.
She expressed sympathy for the victim and his family, who continue to live with the physical and emotional aftermath of the attack.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road rage and the need for self-control when behind the wheel.
It also highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring justice is served for the victims of violent crimes.