A dad who 'saw red' during the school run rammed a pupil with his car after attacking another parent with a knife. Salomon Garcia 'snapped' and flew into a rage after taking issue with the other man's parking, hurling abuse before swinging a flick knife and then swerving his vehicle towards students, knocking a 14-year-old boy off his bike. However, due to a delay of more than two years in bringing the case to court and being left as his son's sole carer after his wife's death, he was spared prison.
Incident at school
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Tuesday that David Field had attended the school in South Liverpool shortly after 3pm on October 16 2023 to collect his 13-year-old son. He had his two-year-old son in his Range Rover and stopped on yellow zig zags with hazard lights on after missing a turning due to traffic. Less than 10 seconds later, Garcia pulled alongside in his Volkswagen Polo and began shouting in a foreign language. The 52-year-old, of Arden Drive in Speke, got out and approached Mr Field's window, continuing the abuse. Garcia's female passenger also got out and struck Mr Field to the face and shoulder. Mr Field screamed at them to 'f*** off', and Garcia drove away.
Later, Garcia approached Mr Field again at the school gates, produced a flick knife, and swung it at him. Mr Field dodged and was chased back to his car as Garcia shouted 'I'm gonna kill you.' Garcia threw the knife over a wall, then drove erratically, swerving towards pupils. A 14-year-old boy on a bike was struck from behind, his leg trapped between tyre and frame, requiring hospital treatment. He told detectives he believed Garcia aimed to hurt him. Garcia drove off but was detained by members of the public until police arrived.
Arrest and delay
At the scene, Garcia shouted 'I want him arrested' but became aggressive after being arrested, kicking a cage and shouting abuse. He could not be questioned due to no interpreter being available, and later failed to attend a voluntary interview, causing a year-long delay. Garcia admitted affray, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article. He has one previous conviction for criminal damage in 2009.
Ian Hudson, defending, said Garcia's wife died in April 2026 after a long illness, and his son, now 15, has difficulties. He said the incident was out of character and Garcia is now sole carer. Judge Ian Unsworth KC noted the two-year delay, Garcia's effective good character, the loss of his wife, and his role as sole carer for his son. He handed a two-year imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 200 hours unpaid work and a rehabilitation requirement. Garcia was also banned from driving for a year and must pass an extended retest.
