Driver sped off with man clinging on to car bonnet

Road rage victim feared for his life after clash over badly parked car

A road rage attacker who drove at 40mph with his victim clinging to his bonnet has been locked up.

Mechanic Josh Mills sped off with 64-year-old Gordon Davidson hanging on for his life after they clashed over a badly parked car.

Incredibly, a witness who called police after seeing Mr Davidson and hearing him scream for help had no idea it was her brother on the bonnet.

Mr Davidson’s horrifying high-speed ride around the streets of Dundee took place after he tried to take a photo of Mills in the wake of their violent run-in.

Dundee Sheriff Court was told that less than a fortnight later Mills led police on a high-speed chase until he lost control and crashed into a set of traffic lights.

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told the court the incident was sparked by Mills parking his Seat Leon in a way which blocked a narrow street and Mr Davidson was unable to get past.

“His dashcam captures the journey and the start of the assault. Words are heard to be exchanged between the complainer and the accused,” she said.

Mills kicked the wing mirror and broke the casing before returning to his own car. Mr Davidson got out to remonstrate with him.

“Mr Davidson walked to the front of Mr Mills’ car with the intention of getting a photo of the accused and his car,” Miss Robertson said.

“The accused revved the engine and drove towards Mr Davidson, striking him on the lower legs, causing him to fall on to the bonnet.

“He accelerated forward and Mr Davidson grabbed hold to prevent himself falling off the car.

“A female witness saw him on the bonnet and heard him shouting ‘call the police’. She initially thought it was a prank and had no idea the male was in fact her brother.”

Mills eventually shook him off on a sharp corner and drove off, leaving Mr Davidson lying on the road. He was found hyperventilating by a passerby and taken to hospital.

Mr Davidson said he had been left with a scar on his elbow and added: “My whole body was aching for months after it. The whole incident has affected me.

“I was properly in fear for my life because of that young lad. I get upset when I think about it.”

Doctors who treated the victim said he reported the car had hit speeds of 40mph as he clung on and that he had been lucky to have escaped more serious injury or death.

Days later, Mills – now driving a BMW – led police on a high-speed chase where he hit over 60mph through residential streets before crashing.

Mills, 23, Ballindean Place, Dundee, admitted shouting at Mr Davidson in Mansion Drive, Dundee, and kicking his car on August 11 last year.

He admitted attacking Mr Davidson by trying to punch him and driving the car towards him, propelling him on to the bonnet.

Mills admitted continuing to drive with him on the bonnet, braking sharply and swerving side to side, causing him to fall to the roadway and leaving him injured and scarred to the danger of his life. He admitted having no insurance and failing to stop after the same incident.

Finally, he admitted driving dangerously and at excessive speed through a red light before crashing into traffic lights on August 22.

Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentence and told him: “It is highly likely there will be a custodial sentence so I will remand you in custody.”

Josh Mills admitted the charges and was warned he faces a custodial sentence.