A road rage incident in the picturesque Cheshire village of Lymm has resulted in a prison sentence for Curtis Rogerson, 45, who pepper sprayed two men following an argument over a parking space.
The Incident
The altercation occurred last autumn near Eagle Brow in the village centre. The victims were in a van that had begun reversing into a parking space when Rogerson drove his car into it first. One of the men shouted his annoyance, which provoked Rogerson to fly into a rage. The van then found another space, but Rogerson pulled his car alongside, hitting the driver's side wing mirror. He then sprayed an unknown substance through the open window into the men's faces before driving off.
Aftermath and Investigation
Both victims experienced burning sensations on their faces and were assisted by passersby. The substance was later identified as Capsaicinoids, commonly found in pepper sprays. Fortunately, both men have since made a full recovery. Cheshire Police launched an investigation, identified Rogerson's car, and arrested him.
Legal Proceedings
Rogerson pleaded guilty to administering a noxious thing with intent to injure, possession of a weapon for discharge of a noxious liquid, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was also sentenced for two unrelated offences of intimidating a witness committed in Trafford. On Thursday, June 4, at Chester Crown Court, he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Kelsie Sherratt from Cheshire Police stated: 'Rogerson let a small annoyance over a car parking space spiral out of control, purposefully spraying a substance into the faces of the two victims with the intent of causing them harm. The victims were merely sat inside their vehicle, and this must have been terrifying to suddenly be in pain with no knowledge of what they had been sprayed with and if they would be left with any lasting damage. Thankfully, both made a full recovery and Rogerson was held accountable for his actions and is now facing time behind bars.'
