Man punches woman in road rage attack
A GOLD Coast man punched a woman in the face through her car window in a shocking road rage incident just off the M1.
Benjamin Douglas Robey collided with the back of his victim’s vehicle on the northbound ramp of the highway at Oxenford on the morning of September 27 last year.
Southport Magistrates Court was told Robey drove around and stopped in front of the other car, with the woman staying in her vehicle and winding down her window to talk.
Prosecutor Gavin Reece said Robey suddenly became enraged, yelling “What the f**k!” and grabbing the woman by the hair.
He said the 33-year-old then punched his victim in the face and fled the scene.
The court was told Robey’s victim was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment to a cut and “significant bleeding” above her lip.
Police located Robey at Helensvale less than an hour later, finding him with a fresh cut to his right hand and extensive damage to the front end of his car.
Mr Reece said Robey confirmed he had been involved in a crash, but did not participate in an interview when he was later charged.
“This is unacceptable behaviour – it could be classified as a road rage incident, but it’s definitely gratuitous in nature,” Mr Reece said.
“It does seem on the face of (it) that there may be an underlying issue of anger management.”
Defence lawyer Shelby Thompson said Robey’s volatile emotions stemmed from a number of mental health concerns including depression, chronic adjustment disorder, and an “explosive personality trait”.
She said Robey thought the woman was mocking him as he approached her car to exchange details.
“What he’s learnt through this – and it’s unfortunately been learnt through hindsight – is everyone experiences shock differently,” Ms Thompson said.
“She appeared to be laughing at him, which could have been a genuine reaction to the accident she’s just been involved in.
“The offending is – and I’m quoting my client now – shameful, there’s no justification or excuse, (and) he only exhibits remorse and shame.”
Ms Thompson said the software engineer checked himself back into a mental health clinic a week after the crash and had since completed an anger management course.
Robey also offered $500 in compensation to his victim alongside a letter of apology.
He refused to answer reporters’ questions outside the courthouse, covering much of his face with a mask and jumping out of the path of cameras.
Robey pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.
He was placed on probation for 18 months and no conviction was recorded.