Joshua Luke Amato: Axe-wielding driver’s tailgating terror

NAMED: A Logan man faced court for using an axe handle to attack on a driver at Boronia Heights, in front of the driver’s two-year-old child.

A Logan man used the handle of an axe to viciously attack another driver during a violent road rage incident at Boronia Heights, a court has heard.

Joshua Luke Amato, 35, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm while armed with a dangerous weapon, possession of dangerous drugs, going armed so as to cause fear and driving without reasonable consideration at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The court heard Amato, a father of two and a fencer, became frustrated when the car in front of him drove too slowly for his liking on September 13, 2020.

Amato became frustrated by the driver in front of him, which lead to an ‘appalling’ road rage attack.

According to his lawyer, Amato suffers from high levels of anxiety and was desperate to get home to self-medicate by smoking cannabis.

Amato relentlessly tailgated the car in front of him until the driver, Luke Anthony Barrett, reached his destination and pulled into a driveway.

Mr Barrett got out of the car and exhibited what Amato’s lawyer described as “a provocative gesture”, prompting Amato to quickly turn his car around and start a fight.

Magistrate Clare Kelly was confused – The schedule of facts provided by the police prosecutor described the victim as simply looking at Amato, not waving at the car or making hand gestures.

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“Why would the action of getting out of his car and looking at the car as it went past be considered provocative?” Magistrate Kelly questioned Amato’s lawyer.

“Isn’t that a natural response?

“It’s insane behaviour.”

Amato went on to grab an axe with the metal implement removed and stormed over to Mr Barrett’s car, where his two-year-old child and wife remained inside.

The court heard Amato struck Mr Barrett in the head with the handle, causing bleeding and eventual scarring above his eyebrow.

Mr Barrett pushed back in an attempt to create distance between the two, and police were called.

“It’s appalling behaviour,” Magistrate Kelly said.

Amato was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment wholly suspended for an operational period of two years, and placed on probation for two years.

He was ordered to pay $500 compensation to the victim.