Elderly Couple Pleads Guilty to Damaging Luxury Cars in Road Rage Incident
In a shocking act of retaliation, Raymond Edwards, 70, and his wife Barbara Edwards, 70, admitted to wilfully damaging luxury cars at a shopping center in Brisbane. The incident, which took place in October of the previous year, was captured on camera and revealed the couple keying a Tesla and a white BMW. The couple believed the cars belonged to drivers who had earlier cut them off abruptly in traffic, nearly forcing them into a power pole.
Costly Consequences
Police prosecutor Sergeant Josh Kelly presented the repair costs for both vehicles, which amounted to approximately $3,238 USD. He urged the court to order restitution, regardless of whether the vehicle owners had insurance coverage. Kelly highlighted the broader community impact of relying on insurance for such damages, emphasizing the financial and societal implications.
Defence Arguments and Court Ruling
Bruce Peters, the defense lawyer for the Edwards, argued that his clients had acted out of frustration following the previous traffic incident. He further stated that the couple had since apologized for the damage. The court ruled in favor of restitution, with Mr. Edwards ordered to pay the full repair costs for both vehicles. Mrs. Edwards was found responsible for a portion of the Tesla’s repair costs. Both were given a $330 USD good behavior bond for 12 months.
Social Ramifications
Despite the court ruling, the Edwards faced significant backlash following the incident. The video showing their act of vandalism went viral, leading to widespread harassment on social media and threats to their property. Despite this, no convictions were recorded against the couple, an outcome that has sparked further debate on the consequences of road rage and vandalism.
Credit: Source link