In a jaw-dropping act of road rage, a driver deliberately used his car as a weapon, sending a moped rider hurtling through the air in a terrifying daylight attack. The incident, captured on CCTV and released by Cambridge Police, shows Omar Harris, 33, targeting the victim in a reckless and violent act that left the community stunned.
A Deliberate Attack
On August 1, Omar Harris received a call from his girlfriend, who was in a heated argument with the moped rider. Fueled by rage, Harris sped through Northstowe, Cambridgeshire, in his black Kia. After crashing into a parked Fiat 500, he continued his rampage, mounting the kerb and deliberately striking the moped rider.
The footage shows the victim being catapulted into a hedge, his body flung through the air like a ragdoll. Miraculously, the rider survived with only superficial injuries to his legs, arms, and back. Harris, however, didn’t stop there – he flipped his car onto its side, crashing into a house and leaving the vehicle a mangled wreck.
A Miraculous Escape
Despite the horrifying nature of the attack, the moped rider escaped with minor injuries. The same cannot be said for Harris, who faced serious legal consequences for his actions.
At Peterborough Crown Court, Harris pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, banned from driving for one year and ten months, and given an indefinite restraining order.
Police Condemn Harris’s “Appalling” Actions
Detective Constable Callum Fullwood, who led the investigation, did not mince words when describing Harris’s behavior.
“The level of violence used by Harris in this case was appalling. He used his car as a weapon and can consider himself lucky that no one was killed and that no other innocent members of the public were injured by his reckless actions.”
What is Attempted Grievous Bodily Harm?
Attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) is a serious criminal offense in the UK. It involves intentionally or recklessly causing severe harm to another person. In this case, Harris’s deliberate use of his car as a weapon clearly falls under this charge.
The Bigger Picture: Road Rage and Violence
This shocking incident highlights the dangers of road rage and the potential for vehicles to be used as weapons. While such deliberate attacks are rare, they serve as a chilling reminder of how quickly conflicts can escalate.
Authorities urge the public to remain calm in stressful situations and to avoid confrontations that could lead to violence. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, it’s crucial to contact the police immediately.
FAQ Section
Q1: What charges did Omar Harris face?
A: Omar Harris pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
Q2: How did the moped rider survive the attack?
A: Miraculously, the rider escaped with superficial injuries to his legs, arms, and back. The hedge he was thrown into may have cushioned his fall.
Q3: What is the legal definition of dangerous driving?
A: Dangerous driving refers to operating a vehicle in a way that poses a significant risk of harm to others. This includes speeding, reckless maneuvers, and using a vehicle as a weapon.
Q4: Where can I find more information about this case?
A: For more details, visit BBC News or The Guardian.