Court: Emerald Beach man Stacy McLeay, 51, sentenced after hwy road rage
A Norco worker has been sentenced for ramming a Volvo driver repeatedly at speed on a highway before punching the driver through the window several times. Here’s what happened in court.
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A Norco shift worker has been sentenced for ramming a Volvo driver repeatedly at speed on the M1 before punching the driver through the window several times.
Coffs Harbour Local Court heard Stacy McLeay, 51, deliberately rammed into the rear of the Volvo and went on to punch the driver several times in the horrific attack.
Court documents state McLeay told police when they arrived on scene “I’m going to knock their teeth in”.
The incident occurred on November 15, 2023, at Emerald Beach. McLeay and the victim were both driving on the M1 near Emerald Beach in a 110km zone.
Magistrate Julia Virgo said there were two version of the facts before the court — an agreed set of facts and one from the victim, but said the core of the matter remained the same.
“He deliberately accelerated into the back of the victim's vehicle and also he assaulted the victim through the window of the car, punching him several times.
“It was a very serious and dangerous step taken by the defendant because he was angry about the driving of the other person,” Ms Virgo said.
McLeay’s solicitor Carlo Biancino asked the court to show leniency via a non-conviction and said McLeay needed his licence for work.
Mr Biancino submitted references for his client including from neighbours who described McLeay as “slow to anger” and “kind and considerate”.
After considering the submissions, Ms Virgo said it was clear to some people “he presents another face”.
McLeay had pleaded not guilty to two charges — common assault and menacing driving on January 31.
In sentencing on April 16, Ms Virgo disqualified McLeay from driving for 12 months and sentenced him to an 18-month supervised community corrections order.
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Originally published as Court: Emerald Beach man Stacy McLeay, 51, sentenced after hwy road rage
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