A road rage driver who followed a motorist to his workplace before stabbing him five times with a screwdriver has been jailed for three years. Amir Aghaei, 33, formerly of Meadow Road, Selden, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place following the violent attack in Worthing on 22 May 2024.
Lewes Crown Court heard the incident began after the victim slowed his vehicle to allow another motorist to pull out from a junction. Aghaei, who was driving behind, became enraged and repeatedly demanded the victim pull over as they continued through Worthing.
The victim told the court: “In an aggressive voice he told me to pull over. While I continued driving, he did this a further six times. “This made me feel very intimidated due to his aggressive body language as he had an exaggerated reaction and was flailing his arms around. “I then continued driving onto my place of work.
He followed me there which increased how nervous I felt.”
Victim stabbed five times
After the victim arrived at a premises in North Street, Aghaei got out of his vehicle, approached him from behind and launched a vicious attack. He stabbed the victim five times with a screwdriver, causing serious injuries.
The victim said he was left “shocked” by the assault and told the court it had had a lasting impact on his life, leaving him living with fear and anxiety.
Three-year prison sentence
At Lewes Crown Court on 6 July, Aghaei was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. The court also imposed a 10-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim.
Detective Constable Dan Waterson said: “This was a shocking example of road rage, where Aghaei went to great lengths to abuse and then assault the victim. “His behaviour was appalling, and left the victim in fear. So we were determined to get justice for him. “We are pleased that Aghaei is now serving a custodial sentence.” Police said the case highlights how seemingly minor incidents on the road can escalate into serious violence, with officers praising the victim for supporting the investigation that led to Aghaei’s conviction and imprisonment.
