Judge Urges Women to ‘Let It Go’ After Road Rage Incident Leads to Physical Altercation in Bournemouth

Two women, involved in a physical altercation following a road rage incident, have been advised by a judge to “just let it go.” The conflict between Sarah Hammond and Anne Heritage arose over a contentious overtaking maneuver on a 30mph road in Bournemouth, Dorset, on March 25 last year.

The situation began when 65-year-old Heritage overtook 45-year-old Hammond’s car during lunchtime. As Heritage attempted to merge back into the lane, Hammond accelerated to block her path. This led to heightened tensions, culminating in a traffic light stop.

Hammond, fueled by frustration, exited her vehicle and confronted Heritage, shouting and repeatedly kicking Heritage’s car door with her Ugg-style boots. The argument quickly escalated as Heritage stepped out of her car, leading to a physical fight between the two women, which unfolded in front of Hammond’s 12-year-old son.

At Poole magistrates’ court, both women faced assault charges. During the court proceedings, Heritage portrayed herself as a victim, claiming self-defense. She recounted feeling threatened and calling for assistance from her 80-year-old passenger, Roy Franklin. Heritage described an intense struggle where Hammond allegedly grabbed and ripped out her hair, resulting in significant hair loss, told Metro.

However, a witness’s footage told a different story. The video captured Hammond being subdued on the road by Franklin, as Heritage kicked her three times. Heritage defended her actions, stating that her kicks did not connect with Hammond and that she had merely reacted out of self-defense.

Heritage also expressed bewilderment at Hammond’s intense reaction to the overtaking incident, emphasizing that she saw it as a minor issue and was surprised by Hammond following her and then aggressively approaching her vehicle at the traffic lights.

The case highlights the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous nature of road rage incidents. Despite the physical altercation, both women were advised by the judge to move on from the incident, underscoring the need for restraint and level-headedness in such situations. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the consequences of letting anger take over in moments of frustration on the road.