Man pleads guilty to ‘horrific’ assault in front of child

Drivers are being warned to think twice before engaging in road rage confrontations after a man was handed a suspended prison sentence for a violent attack in front of a child.

Inspector John Ward said victims of road rage should report it to police as soon as possible. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

DRIVERS are being warned to think twice before engaging in road rage confrontations after a man was handed a suspended prison sentence for a violent attack in front of a child.

Todd Anthony Callaway, 48, was this week sentenced in the Hobart Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to one count of common assault against another driver on November 17 last year. It is understood the conflict was sparked by a parking complaint.

Roads and Public Order Services Inspector John Ward said Callaway punched, pushed and grabbed the victim at a petrol bowser after following him from Tranmere to Howrah.

“All of this occurred in front of the victim’s 10-year-old son,” Insp Ward said.

“It would’ve been extremely upsetting for that child to see his father being assaulted by a stranger. It was a horrific incident for any child to witness.

“The victim did not retaliate, he did everything he could to de-escalate the situation and simply drove to the Bellerive police station to report the matter.”

The entire attack was captured on surveillance cameras outside the ptrol station on Clarence St.

Magistrate Reg Marron on Monday recorded a conviction and gave Callaway a one-month jail term, which was wholly suspended on the condition he not commit another offence punishable by imprisonment for two years.

Insp Ward said about 60 incidents related to road rage had been reported to Tasmania Police in the 12 months to January. The complaints included aggressive driving behaviour, verbal insults and physical assaults.

Road Safety Advisory Council chair Garry Bailey. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

“If a road rage incident is occurring live, if possible, the driver should go to the nearest police station,” Insp Ward said. “They should try to obtain a registration number, the make of the vehicle and a description of the driver, to enable police to follow up with the alleged offender.”

Road Safety Advisory Council chair Garry Bailey labelled road rage “arrogant, selfish, and high-risk” and said driver etiquette was fundamental to keeping our roads safe.

“The road is a place for patience, tolerance, courtesy and consideration and obeying the rules, not aggression and impatience,” he said.

“We should also realise that the perfect driver does not exist and that we all can do better behind the wheel.

“The consequences of venting your anger verbally or physically on another driver could mean more than being charged by police. It could also mean death or serious injury because rage is a distraction — and distraction can be a killer.”

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