A motorist who used his pickup truck as a deadly weapon in a shocking act of road rage has been found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The horrific incident, which was captured on dashcam, unfolded on the A61 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Courtney Ellis, 25, was behind the wheel of a Dacia Duster when a moment of fury escalated into a fatal attack.
A Deliberate and Vicious Act
The court heard how Ellis became enraged after an interaction with two men riding an electric bike. Instead of de-escalating the situation, Ellis made a conscious decision to use his vehicle as a weapon.
In a manoeuvre described by prosecutors as "deliberate, purposeful and vicious," Ellis swerved his truck across the opposite carriageway and onto a grass verge to intentionally strike the riders. The devastating impact threw both men from the bike.
Tragic Aftermath and Fleeing the Scene
One of the victims, 20-year-old Oliver Stevens, suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His friend, who was riding pillion, was seriously injured but survived the brutal attack.
In a cowardly act, Ellis did not stop to render aid or face the consequences of his actions. He instead fled the scene, attempting to evade justice before later being apprehended by police.
Justice Served with a Life Sentence
During the trial at Leeds Crown Court, the jury rejected Ellis's claims and found him guilty of murder and attempted grievous bodily harm. The judge handed down a life sentence, with a minimum term of 21 years behind bars.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police stated the case serves as a "stark reminder of the devastating consequences of road rage." He emphasised that Ellis's actions were "a conscious decision to use his vehicle as a weapon with fatal results."
The family of Oliver Stevens spoke of their unimaginable loss, describing him as a "much-loved son, brother and grandson" whose life was brutally cut short by a moment of senseless aggression.
