‘Businesswoman drove Mercedes at plumber’s car after bridge stand-off’
A businesswoman drove her Mercedes at speed into a plumber’s Fiesta after a stand-off on a narrow river bridge, a court heard yesterday.
Caroline Hamer, 37, is accused of road rage after refusing to give way to John Gooding in Cwmbran, South Wales. In response, Mr Gooding, 33, called her a “stupid cow”.
Ms Hamer then allegedly drove her black sports car at more than 70mph before crashing into the back of Mr Gooding’s vehicle as he drove his family to a barbecue.
He told the court he had stopped just before a narrow part of the minor road because he saw a Mercedes coming toward him with no sign of stopping. He said there had been a stand-off as to who would go first over the narrow bridge and he eventually reversed. Minutes later, he said, he saw her car in his rear view mirror.
The court was told Ms Hamer cut in front of his Fiesta and braked hard, causing him to swerve into the next lane, before hitting the rear of his car.
However, Ms Hamer claimed she had been driving appropriately on the bridge and Mr Gooding had spat at her before calling her a “f------ w-----”.
She said that minutes later Mr Gooding pulled out in front of her and “took her out” and then sped off. She said: “He just cut me up, I lost control of the car and was absolutely terrified.”
Ms Hamer, who owns a property business, said Mr Gooding’s driving was “disgraceful” and she “felt bullied. Ms Hamer, of Pontypool, Gwent, denies dangerous driving.
The trial continues.