Jailed for ramming teenager on scooter
A ROAD-RAGE driver has been jailed for 10 years for ramming a scooter rider – just for cracking his wing mirror.
Christian Verrall caused victim Craig Bond life-changing injuries when he deliberately knocked him from his moped.
Verrall turned his silver Ford Fiesta into a 1,000kg weapon as he smashed into the teen rider in broad daylight.
The 32-year-old then fled the scene – leaving his victim for dead before phoning the police claiming that his car had been stolen.
The incident unfolded at around 1.30pm on March 11 on Frederick Street, Pill, Newport.
Cardiff Crown Court was told Verrall flew into a rage after the moped rider had clipped his wing mirror.
Gwent Police said the 19-year-old victim suffered serious injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life.
Detective Constable Rebecca Hamilton said Verrall had no consideration for the victim’s welfare.
She said: “The level of violence used by the defendant in this case was appalling.
“Verrall used his car as a weapon, leaving the victim with severe injuries which will have an impact on him for the rest of his life.
“There was no consideration by the defendant for the victim’s welfare as he fled the scene, leaving the victim hurt. Verrall then tried to avoid prosecution by reporting that his car had been stolen.”
At an earlier hearing, Verrall had previously admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. He had denied wounding with intent and then went on trial.
However, last month, jurors returned a guilty verdict on that third charge. Verrall was then brought before Recorder Caroline Rees QC for sentencing.
Verrall, of Bryn Gwyn Road in Newport, was given a 10-year prison sentence.
He was also banned from driving for nine years and eight months.