The 68-year-old had been obeying the 20mph limit before he was brutally assaulted
12:57, 25 Feb 2026Updated 13:17, 25 Feb 2026
A roofer viciously attacked an older driver in an unprovoked road rage on a 20mph road. Christopher Shaw, 40, got out of his van near the Fox and Hounds pub in Brynmenyn, Bridgend county, and punched the driver in front so hard his cheekbone, nose and eye socket were broken.
Newport Crown Court heard the assault took place at around 8.15am on July 30 last year after Shaw appeared to become furious that the 68-year-old victim, Christopher Lavis, had been obeying the 20mph limit and had given way to oncoming traffic. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
Prosecutor Ben Jones said: “Mr Lavis was in his vehicle with his wife when a van drove behind him at speed, beeping its horn and flashing its lights. He pulled over into another street to allow the van to pass and then carry on his way.
“On approaching the Fox and Hounds pub in Brynmenyn, he came to a stop to give way to oncoming traffic when the same van appeared behind him.
“The driver, Shaw, exited the van and opened the driver-side door of Mr Lavis’ car. Shaw was aggressive, shouting and swearing at Mr Lavis.”
Shaw punched Mr Lavis to the right side of his face with a closed fist as Mrs Lavis could only look on horrified. His nose immediately bled and he felt chips from broken teeth in his mouth, the court heard.
The attacker stopped Mr Lavis shutting the door and continued to shout at him before eventually allowing the door to be closed.
Mr Lavis was treated at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales for a fractured right cheekbone and eye socket as well as a broken nose and concussion. He had been due to have an important test of his heart that day which was postponed because of the attack.
In his victim impact statement Mr Lavis said: “As a 68-year-old frail man the injuries have taken a considerable toll on my day-to-day life, causing persistent pain, difficulty sleeping and ongoing discomfort.”
As well as relying on a stick because his balance has been affected, he has been experiencing anxiety and a “deep sense of vulnerability”, especially when near traffic. This has prevented him from driving since the assault and he does not know whether he will do so again.
Mr Lavis said the violence seemed to be triggered by his “simple act of courtesy” in giving way to oncoming traffic and travelling at the correct speed of 20mph.
His wife added that the experience was “deeply traumatic” and that she was “terrified” as Mr Lavis was punched with such force that he “immediately began bleeding heavily”.
Shaw, of Heol Glannant in Bettws, initially told police he had thrown the punch in self-defence but later pleaded guilty to ABH (actual bodily harm) assault. He had six previous offences including an assault from 25 years ago.
His solicitor Derrick Gooden described the attack as “entirely out of character” and told the court his “remorseful” client would be happy to pay compensation within 28 days.
The judge, Recorder Paul Lewis KC, said: “He has a roofing business that employs people who are dependent on him, he has a family, a niece, and he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. On balance, by a whisker, it seems to me that although the offence demands a sentence of imprisonment it is one the court can suspend.”
Turning to Shaw, he said: “What you did that day was inexcusable and unjustified. I accept, however, you are remorseful and ashamed.”
The judge imposed a one-year jail term suspended for two years, £1,500 in compensation, 50 hours of unpaid work, a £187 victim services surcharge and £150 in prosecution costs.
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
