Audi pair sentenced over road rage threats against taxi driver

THREATENING a taxi driver in a shocking road rage incident and damaging his vehicle landed two Lymington men with a compensation order.

Corey Chambers (25), of Tithe Barn, and Ryan Bradford (18), of Bridge Road, targeted Eduardo Moratti, the driver of a black Seat Toledo owned by United Taxis, in the early hours of February 21st, Poole Magistrates’ Court heard.

Police said the pair tailed the vehicle from the Somerford roundabout to Bournemouth town centre after being angered by the driver.

Chambers was at the wheel of an Audi that was in the left hand lane and going straight on towards Highcliffe when the taxi, which was alongside it in another lane, also went straight on.

The taxi driver was on his way home but, being aware of the defendants’ reaction and fearing what they might do if he led them to his address, he turned the car around and headed for Bournemouth.

But the Audi made after it, culminating in the men smashing the taxi’s windscreen and causing £287 worth of damage when it stopped at the traffic lights close to the Hilton Hotel in Exeter Road.

The pair handed themselves into police after dashcam footage of the incident was released.

At court, both Chambers and Bradford pleaded guilty to criminal damage and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards the victim.

Chambers also admitted driving without due care and attention.

The pair were told to pay for the taxi damage in full and each give Mr Moratti £50 compensation.

Bradford was fined £80 and Chambers £200, while the latter had his driving licence endorsed with seven points. Both defendants were also told to pay £115 court costs.