Motorist punches man in road rage
STEVEN Capuzzo took road rage to a new level last month, punching a driver in the face for cutting him off.
The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court yesterday.
About 9pm on June 17, Capuzzo stopped behind another vehicle at traffic lights on the intersection of Dean and Kerrigan Sts in Rockhampton.
Capuzzo then got out of his vehicle and approached the victim's car.
Police prosecutor Matthew Heelan said Capuzzo opened the driver's door and took the keys out of the ignition.
The court heard Capuzzo then punched the driver in the face.
Mr Heelan said the driver got out of his car to confront Capuzzo, but the defendant returned to his vehicle and drove away.
Police found Capuzzo at a residence in Frenchville at 10.30pm.
Mr Heelan described the incident as a "road-rage type situation".
The defence lawyer representing Capuzzo, Joanne Madden, said the victim and his passengers had passed her client and yelled abuse at him before the incident.
Ms Madden said this motivated Capuzzo to take the actions he did, but the defendant could provide no further explanation.
Magistrate Barry Cosgrove described the offence as "quite serious" and suggested Capuzzo seek counselling in relation to anger management.
Capuzzo was fined $600 for the assault and a conviction was recorded.
CONVICTED
Name: Steven Capuzzo
Charge: 1 of common assault
Plea: Guilty
Punishment: Fined $600, conviction recorded
