A 28-year-old woman named Lauren Willis has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for intentionally driving her Volkswagen Golf into an Audi driver following a road-rage incident in Sittingbourne, Kent. The altercation between the two drivers escalated after they argued over Willis’ driving near a petrol station. They stopped near a roundabout on the A249, where an altercation ensued, leading to Willis driving her car towards the man, causing him injuries to the face, teeth, and hands. The man was thrown from the car’s windscreen onto the road before Willis fled the scene.
The injured man was taken to the hospital and later discharged. Following an investigation by the police, Willis was arrested in Ware, Hertfordshire, two days later. In June 2024, she pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent at Maidstone Crown Court. In addition to her prison sentence, Willis has been disqualified from driving for five years and nine months.
Detective Constable Rob Sircar expressed satisfaction with Willis’ imprisonment, emphasizing the seriousness of her actions and the impact on the victim. He highlighted the importance of road safety and legal obligations for drivers involved in collisions. Kent Police advise drivers to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision, switch off their engine, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries. Emergency services should be contacted in case of danger, serious injuries, suspected serious offenses, or road blockages.
The incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless driving behavior and the importance of responsible road conduct.