Police charge Ponsonby CEO over alleged road rage incident involving North Shore pensioner and $430,000 European supercar

The pensioner's family expressed shock that the retired mechanic and grandfather, described as a “gentle soul”, was charged by police and plans to defend himself in court.

Lawyers are believed to now be defending the elderly man pro bono in an attempt to have the charges against him dropped.

“We are all deeply embarrassed by the horrific events that unfolded that Sunday afternoon,” the family said in a statement.

“We never thought that something like this could happen to an honest family man who wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“Our father worked hard all his life, kept his record clean and helped and supported the community. He has earned the right to enjoy a peaceful retirement.”

The pensioner claims he was attacked by the CEO following an alleged incident of road rage on the Northern Motorway and was punched several times on the head and body before falling to the ground and allegedly being kicked or stomped on.

A medical report noted suspected concussion, muscle injuries and a “large hematoma,” as well as bruises and scratches.

The man's family said his physical and mental health had suffered tremendously since the incident.

He could no longer do his favorite activities like gardening, going to the gym, and playing with his grandchildren.

The relatives were “astonished” that a man of their father’s age and character could become involved in a physical altercation with the much younger CEO and head of the company.

“The family is appalled that such an incident could occur and finds it completely outrageous that charges have been brought against him.”

They believed that the CEO should take responsibility for his alleged actions and seek help for his anger issues instead of “trying to cover his tracks like a spoiled child.”

The family also believed that the charges against the CEO should be increased to reflect the extent of the retiree's injuries.

However, the CEO told the Herald that the blame lies with the pensioner.

“I was attacked by this gentleman,” he claimed.

In his speech yesterday, he thanked the Herald for giving him the opportunity to present his version of events, but declined to comment after speaking with his lawyer.

“I have never been involved in a situation like this before and need some guidance.

“While I would like to comment on this, the matter is currently before the courts, so I am not in a position to comment at this time.”

He had previously said: “There is a possibility that I sustained injuries,” but declined to comment further as the incident was still under police investigation.

Minor collision after “tailgating incident” on the Northern Autobahn

The pensioner told police he was attacked on the side of the road on Highgate Parkway after the businessman's 2019 luxury supercar was hot on his heels.

In a written statement to police, the pensioner said he was driving home north on SH1 when he noticed the sports car in the right-hand lane “behind my bum” and trying to overtake him.

The man claimed the sports car and then swerved to the left while the driver waved and gesticulated.

“I thought, 'What a clown' and gave him the middle finger,” the man wrote.

The sports car then drove in front of the elderly gentleman's Kia and braked to about 60 km/h, the pensioner claimed.

He then felt a “bump” as the two vehicles collided before leaving the motorway at Millwater, followed by the sports car.

The man said he pulled over and walked toward the sports car, saying, “You're completely wrong,” when the driver allegedly “charged at me” and “started hitting me in the head with left and right punches.”

The sports car driver is said to have pulled the older man's sweater over his head and thrown him to the ground, “where he continued to rain blows on my head and body,” the statement said.

“Dazed and disoriented,” the man got to his feet and “stumbled around.”

He remembers saying, “You smashed my damn glasses,” before the sports car driver allegedly launched a second attack.

“He threw me to the ground again… and hit me and I think he kicked me or stomped on me.

“When it stopped, I was completely disoriented and when I tried to stand up, my left leg could no longer support me and I staggered and was close to fainting.”

Police investigate “alleged bodily harm”

Police had previously told the Herald that they were investigating an “alleged assault” that occurred in Silverdale at around 3.30pm on August 11.

“The police received a report that two vehicles were involved in a minor accident, whereupon both drivers stopped and got out of their vehicles.

“There was an altercation between the occupants of both vehicles.”

Both drivers left the scene of the accident, but one of them was later taken to a medical center with moderate injuries.

In a statement this week, police confirmed that both men had been charged with affray in a public place and that the CEO also faces charges of dangerous driving.

They will both make their first appearance in North Shore District Court later this month.

Lane Nichols is deputy news director and senior journalist at the New Zealand Herald with over 20 years of industry experience.