Driver Federico Ronci attacked cyclist during road rage incident

A southern Sydney driver attacked a cyclist in a peak-hour road rage incident, resulting in both men ending up on the ground. Here’s what sparked the fight.

The red light intersection on Botany Rd and Wentworth Rd, Mascot. Picture: Google Maps

A Mascot driver attacked a cyclist in a peak-hour road rage incident resulting in both men ending up on the ground.

Federico Ronci faced Downing Local Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to one charge of affray.

Court documents state the 30-year-old was driving a Jeep Wrangler along Botany Rd, Mascot and stopped at a red light intersection about 4.30pm on February 12.

Police state footage of the incident was captured on a witness’s dashcam, which depicted Ronci wearing a black singlet and orange shorts.

He could be seen halfway out of his car yelling at a nearby cyclist parked on a pedestrian island about 15m away.

The cyclist was parked on a pedestrian island. Picture: Google Maps

The cyclist yelled back at Ronci who went up to the man’s face. The cyclist shoved him and Ronci grabbed his wrist and pushed him, leading to a 10-second scuffle and resulting in both men falling to the ground.

The incident was captured on the witness’ dashcam footage.

Ronci hopped back in his car and left while a concerned witness dialled triple-0.

Police questioned Ronci shortly after and he told officers he had pulled over and turned his hazard lights on, but he had blocked the cyclist’s path.

He said the cyclist had called Ronci a “motherf--ker” and said “your mum is dead” which had “irritated” him.

Ronci spat on the cyclist only after the rider spat on him, he told officers.

Ronci and the cyclist ended up on the ground in the scuffle. Picture: Generic

Police issued a notice to the community with a photo of the cyclist, requesting to speak to the rider but nobody came forward.

Ronci has never been charged before this occasion, police said.

Magistrate Hugh Donnelly convicted Ronci and fined him $600.

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