Road rage vet had a mental breakdown
CHRISTINE CUNNINGHAM A respected Norfolk vet who rammed into cars then threatened police with a stethoscope and an umbrella after suffering a mental breakdown was yesterday given a conditional discharge after a judge heard that he was responding well to psychiatric treatment.
CHRISTINE CUNNINGHAM
A respected Norfolk vet who rammed into cars then threatened police with a stethoscope and an umbrella after suffering a mental breakdown was yesterday given a conditional discharge after a judge heard that he was responding well to psychiatric treatment.
Father-of-two Felice Nieddu, 47, a horse specialist, smashed into three cars at Wymondham before climbing on to the roof of his Chevrolet and lashing out at other drivers and police.
Norwich Crown Court heard how his "bizarre" behaviour was out of character and was sparked by a total mental breakdown following the collapse of his veterinary business in Aylmerton, near Cromer.
Nieddu of Dalrymple Way, Helles-don, admitted dangerous driving and assault at an earlier hearing.
His case was adjourned while he complied with a psychiatric treatment recommendation.
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Judge Alasdair Darroch heard yesterday that Nieddu was responding to treatment and his mental health was improving and imposed a 12-month conditional discharge.
He said: "I am pleased you are taking medical advice for your bizarre behaviour."
Nieddu was also made subject to a two-year driving ban at the earlier hearing and must take an extended test before he can get behind the wheel again.
Earlier the court heard how Nieddu terrorised fellow drivers by ramming into six cars, either by ploughing into the backs of them or swiping them from the side.
He then revved the engine of his car so hard the road surface caught fire due to the prolonged wheel spin.
Nick Methold, prosecuting said that Nieddu, who is originally from Sardinia, then emerged from the car, climbed on the roof and began lashing out at other drivers, and police who arrived on the scene.
"He climbed on the roof of the car and was flailing around with a stethoscope and umbrella he had taken with him."
His barrister Michael Clare said that Nieddu's behaviour was completely irrational and "bizarre".
He added that Nieddu was deeply sorry for what happened.
