Jail for woman whose car struck man after road rage in Swale

An aggressive motorist whose car struck a man following a road rage incident near Sittingbourne has been jailed.

Lauren Willis, 28, admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent at Maidstone Crown Court.

Patrols were called to a roundabout near Bobbing on the A249 shortly after 5am on 31 May 2024.

Willis, who had departed in her Volkswagen Golf, left a male victim with injuries to his face, teeth and hands after he was thrown from the car’s windscreen and landed on the road.

Officers attended the scene of the collision and the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was later discharged.

Dispute

Earlier that morning, a dispute regarding the manner of Willis’ driving had broken out between her and the victim, who had been travelling in an Audi.

Following that incident, which occurred near a petrol station in Sittingbourne, both parties drove off in the same direction. The two cars then stopped near the Bobbing roundabout and Willis got out and approached the man, who also left his vehicle.

An altercation took place and Willis got back in her vehicle before driving towards the man, resulting in a collision that caused the victim’s injuries.

An investigation led to Willis being arrested in Ware, Hertfordshire two days later and she was charged on 3 June 2024.

Sentenced

After pleading guilty, Willis, from Wollaston Close, Gillingham was sentenced on Thursday 2 October 2025 to three years and six months' imprisonment. She was also disqualified from driving for five years and nine months.

Detective Constable Rob Sircar said: ‘Willis’ driving that morning was nothing less than appalling. She put her victim through a terrifying ordeal and it is only by good fortune that the consequences were not far worse. ‘I’m pleased that Willis has been jailed and that she will be prevented from getting behind the wheel upon her release. I hope it brings a sense of comfort to those who have been affected by her behaviour, whilst giving her time to reflect upon her actions and amend her ways.’