‘Violent’ road-rager slaps teen in IGA for not indicating

A road-rager has faced court after he slapped a teenager to the ground, claiming the teenager failed to indicate.

ROAD RAGE: Beau Kenneth North slapped an 18-year-old at Bli Bli IGA in a road-rage attack.

A ROAD-RAGER has faced court after he slapped a teenager to the ground, claiming the teenager failed to indicate while driving.

Beau Kenneth North, 33, drove “aggressively” and “extremely close” behind his 18-year-old victim into the Bli Bli IGA carpark.

The victim said North, from Bli Bli, was yelling while driving but didn’t realise the behaviour was directed towards him.

“The complainant stated he began to walk into the IGA, however, was approached from behind by the defendant who started to verbally abuse him, complaining he had not indicated turning into the shopping complex,” police prosecutor Leonie Scott said.

Senior Sergeant Scott told the court North yelled the words “I’m talking to you, you f-----g dog c---, you didn’t indicate, you need to learn to drive”.

He then stated he would knock his victim out, causing him to fear for his safety as they both walked into the IGA.

“The complainant stated the defendant has all of a sudden lashed out with his right hand and slapped the left side of his face with enough force to knock him off his feet and onto the floor of the IGA,” Sen Sgt Scott said.

“The complainant stated he felt immediate pain on the side of his face and jaw and felt almost knocked out and dizzy.”

North left the IGA and his victim reported the incident to police, alongside two witnesses.

Police also viewed CCTV footage which displayed the victim showing no retaliation.

At Maroochydore Magistrates Court today North pleaded guilty to common assault and public nuisance.

Duty lawyer Michael Robinson said North had seen a specialist three years ago who told him he had Asperger syndrome, but no evidence was presented to the magistrate.

He claimed his client suffered “temper tantrums” due to the disorder and only recently developed coping mechanisms, which he should have used on the day of the incident.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said a victim impact statement outlined sleeping problems and the psychological impact the assault caused.

Due to a lack of medical evidence, Mr Madsen would not recognise North’s claim that he had Aspergers and said he was a “violent” person.

North was ordered to pay the victim $600 in compensation and given a four month prison sentence, wholly suspended for 18 months.

Mr Madsen did not disqualify North’s driver licence due to the impact it would have on his ability to earn a living for his family.

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