A 61-year-old motorist has been sentenced to 22 months in prison following a violent road rage confrontation that left a pedestrian with serious head injuries near a Tunbridge Wells golf course.
David Fowkes, of Hopgarden Close, Lamberhurst, was handed the custodial sentence at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, March 13, 2026, after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 pm on June 16, 2023, as a man was walking along Bayham Road after finishing a round of golf. Because the stretch of road lacked a pavement, the victim was walking on the right-hand side when Fowkes approached him in a Vauxhall Corsa. The pedestrian challenged Fowkes over his driving, claiming the vehicle had failed to leave sufficient space, which sparked a heated verbal altercation at the roadside.
The disagreement escalated rapidly when Fowkes exited his vehicle and struck the man with a single punch. The force of the blow caused the victim to fall backward and strike his head on the ground. Emergency services, including paramedics and Kent Police officers, attended the scene shortly after, and the victim was transported to a London hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Fowkes was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged. In addition to his prison term of one year and 10 months, the court imposed a 10-year restraining order prohibiting Fowkes from making any contact with the victim.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Chris Welham, said:
‘Fowkes’ reaction was entirely disproportionate following a trivial disagreement about the highway code, which nearly cost the victim his life. It is right that the judge ordered an immediate custodial sentence and I hope this – alongside the lengthy restraining order – offers the victim some comfort following such a traumatic incident for him and his family. This case acts as a reminder to road users to act responsibly and remain calm during stressful moments while on the move.’