Benjamin Michael Neilson, 19, spits in driver’s face in road rage attack

A driver was forced to undergo tests for contagious diseases after a young ice addict from spat in his face during a “disgusting and terrible” attack sparked by road rage.

Benjamin Michael Neilson, 19, faced Southport Magistrates Court.

A DRIVER was forced to undergo tests for contagious diseases after a young ice addict from Upper Coomera spat in his face during a “disgusting and terrible” attack sparked by road rage.

Two days before the attack on Tamborine Oxenford Road, Benjamin Michael Neilson kicked in the panels of a car because he felt it was travelling too close to his girlfriend.

Neilson, 19, faced Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, supported by his mum.

He pleaded guilty to unlawful assault of a person aged over 60 on May 16, 2018 at Oxenford and wilful damage on May 14 at Oxenford.

Prosecutor Chris Freeman told the court it was just after midday on May 16 when Neilson and the victim “got into a road rage incident” and both pulled over.

“The defendant has got out of his vehicle and has gone to the driver’s side door of the victim’s vehicle and has started to verbally abuse him.” he said.

Mr Freeman said the man “tried to get out of his vehicle” but Neilson “kept the door closed on him”.

Neilson “then spat at the victim” and the spittle landed “on the victim’s face”.

Jumping back in his car, Neilson left the area.

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He later told police he was “going through some family issues” and had been “struggling with his anger problems”.

It was about 4.30pm on May 14 when Neilson kicked a vehicle “several times” and dented panels after he got into an argument with its driver at a pedestrian crossing outside a shopping centre.

Neilson had no prior criminal record.

Defence lawyer Ross Oden said Neilson lived with mental health issues and “may have” attention deficit disorders.

Mr Oden said Neilson had overcome a “short term meth addiction” and was remorseful for his “out of character” and “spur of the moment” offending.

Magistrate Mark Howden said Neilson’s behaviour was “disgusting and terrible”, but he did consider an early plea and Neilson’s “very young age”.

Neilson was placed on probation for 18 months, has to pay $500 compensation and a conviction was not recorded.