In a shocking road rage incident captured on dashcam footage, a former refuse collector, Joe Corden, 29, attacked his ex-colleagues in broad daylight, leading to severe injuries among the victims. The events unfolded at approximately 11.15am on March 21, 2023, in Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent. The confrontation began at the junction of Birches Head Road and Fairhaven Road following a near miss involving Corden’s Vauxhall Corsa and a bin lorry.
The aggressive outburst escalated quickly, as Corden exited his vehicle and punched a refuse collector three times in the face. As the violence intensified, Corden retrieved a lollipop crossing sign from the boot of his car and proceeded to vandalise the refuse truck. Shortly thereafter, he returned with three associates: Jack Spackman, 25, who was armed with a sledgehammer; Kyle Worthington, 21, who brandished a firearm; and an unnamed juvenile.
The group encircled a second refuse truck, and while one binman sought refuge inside, the gang continued their assault, shattering windows and further attacking the vehicle. The confrontation culminated in the sound of a gunshot as Corden and his accomplices fled the scene in the Corsa, which was later located by law enforcement in Kidsgrove, with a sledgehammer still inside.
During the proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, it was revealed that the implications of the attack were severe for the victims. One refuse collector sustained multiple injuries requiring hospitalisation, while others also faced significant physical trauma. The court heard that some victims may never be able to return to work due to the ongoing impact of the incident.
Following a comprehensive investigation, the defendants were sentenced to a combined total of over 18 years in prison. Corden pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. His defence attorney, Matthew Ness, highlighted Corden’s remorse and suggested his behaviour was out of character, attributing it partially to pain management issues following a motorcycle accident.
Spackman admitted to conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and related charges, while Worthington faced a broader array of allegations including possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear and multiple drug-related offences. After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Andy Bryan remarked on the unprovoked nature of the attacks, emphasising the potential for much worse outcomes had the circumstances been different.
The event stands as a stark example of road rage escalating into serious violence, occurring in a public space where local residents were present.
Source: Noah Wire Services