Tuesday 17 November 2009

'Road Rage' Lady Driver Rams Pregnant Motorist


A ‘road rage’ woman was locked up for 9 months after driving into a pregnant motorist, pinning her to her own vehicle, minutes after being cut up.

Angry Leanne Smith, 24, of Cliffside Court, West Hill, Dartford, Kent, screamed abuse at the 32 year-old victim, who was five months pregnant and punched her in the face before ramming her as she dialed 999.

She pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm in Highland Road, Bexleyheath, on March 16.

The victim pulled in front of Smith in Crayford, causing the defendant to slow down, but apologized and held up her hand.

Two miles later, at a red light, Smith jumped out of her car shouting abuse and punched the victim through her partially open window.

The victim’s 30 year-old sister got out of the car, but her pleas to end the attack on a pregnant woman were ignored, with Smith turning on her, grabbing her hair with both hands and trying to punch her.

The shocked victim got out of her car to call police, but found herself pinned to her own car as Smith drove straight into her, also causing over £1,100 of damage before speeding off.

The unborn baby was fortunately unharmed, but doctors at Darenth Valley Hospital, where the victim was rushed by ambulance, treated her for a fractured cheekbone, severe facial bruising, swelling and tenderness to her pelvic area and both feet.

Six days later the victim spotted Smith in Dartford, noted her car’s number plate, and tipped-off police.

The victim gave birth to a healthy baby girl in July.

Detective Constable Rhana Dhillon, of Bexley Police CID, said: "I would like to thank the victim for her vigilance and determination.

"If she had not spotted the suspect at a later stage we may not have obtained the crucial lead we needed.

"What makes this case even more horrific is that the victim was heavily pregnant and despite being told this Smith continued to assault the victim and deliberately drove into her.

"I am just thankful that the baby was unharmed and is healthy."

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