A shocking road rage incident in Conwy county has led to a suspended prison sentence for the attacker, John Lee. The assault, captured on dashcam footage, occurred on June 15, 2025, in the Llanrwst area. Lee punched the victim, who was sitting in his car, causing him to lose consciousness before verbally abusing the victim's wife outside the vehicle.
Details of the Attack
The victim had pulled over to collect eggs from a store and stopped his car suddenly after hearing a loud beep, fearing something was wrong. Lee, driving directly behind, exited his vehicle and approached the victim's window, shouting, "What are you doing?" before delivering a single punch. The force of the blow knocked the victim unconscious. Prosecutor Rabia Tariq told Caernarfon Crown Court that Lee also grabbed and shook the man during the assault.
When the victim's wife stepped out of the car, dashcam footage showed Lee aggressively remonstrating with her. The victim suffered a bruised eye socket, a grazed eyelid, and loss of consciousness. In a personal statement, he described the attack as "extremely aggressive and shocking," adding that he has experienced increased forgetfulness since the incident.
Legal Proceedings
Lee, a self-employed carpenter and joiner and former military serviceman, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. His defense barrister, Richard Edwards, said Lee "bitterly regrets" his impulsive actions. The court heard that Lee's own wife and children were in his vehicle at the time and had been upset by the victim's evasive driving. The defense characterized the assault as a "single, isolated" moment of madness.
The court also learned that Lee has struggled with mental health and had established a mental health football team to support himself and others. His only previous conviction was a referral for common assault in 2005.
Sentencing
Judge Nicola Jones highlighted the gravity of the incident, noting that the victim's elderly parents were watching from the back seat. She also criticized Lee for being "verbally aggressive" toward the victim's wife while his own children witnessed the violence. Lee was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, pay £500 compensation, and a statutory surcharge.
The case underscores the serious consequences of road rage and the impact such violence can have on victims and their families.
