What started as an ordinary day for three bin lorry workers in Stoke-on-Trent quickly turned into a nightmare when they became victims of a brutal road rage attack.

Armed with an axe, machete, sledgehammer, and even a gun, a gang of men viciously assaulted the workers in broad daylight on March 21, 2023.

Now, the attackers have been unmasked, and the victims have shared the devastating toll the attack has taken on their lives.

The Incident That Escalated Into Violence

The violent attack stemmed from what seemed like a minor traffic incident.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council bin wagon and a car had a near-miss in the Birches Head area.

However, this small altercation quickly spiraled into a full-blown assault when two bin wagons came under attack by three men and one youth.

Armed with deadly weapons, the gang showed no mercy.

Victims Speak Out About the Trauma

During a hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the three victims shared how the attack had completely changed their lives.

One of the bin crew members, who had a gun pointed at him, revealed that he now struggles with daily tasks, suffers from flashbacks and nightmares, and constantly fears for his safety.

After dedicating 38 years to his job, he was forced to leave due to health complications.

Another victim suffered a stroke following the attack, though doctors could not confirm whether it was caused by the physical injuries or the immense stress he endured.

Meanwhile, the lorry driver, who was punched in the face multiple times and suffered serious head, face, and foot injuries, initially returned to work in October 2023 after a long recovery.

However, by May 2024, his health deteriorated again, and he had to leave work indefinitely.

Shocking Dashcam Footage Reveals the Attack

Dashcam footage from the bin lorry captured the terrifying moments when the attack unfolded.

Joe Corden, one of the attackers, is seen exiting his Vauxhall Corsa and aggressively confronting the bin crew.

At one point, he even retrieved a lollipop sign from his car and used it to smash the lorry.

Later that same day, the second bin wagon became the next target.

This time, Corden, along with Jack Spackman, Kyle Worthington, and a youth, ambushed the vehicle on Birches Head Road.

Worthington even fired a gun in the direction of the lorry, heightening the terror of the workers.

The gang, armed with a hatchet, axe, sledgehammer, and baton, stormed towards the council vehicle.

One bin worker was struck with a baton, while another was knocked to the ground as the attackers shattered the lorry’s windows.

The Attackers Face Justice

The three men responsible for the violent assault have now pleaded guilty to a series of charges:

Joe Corden, 29, admitted to assault occasioning bodily harm, conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and driving without a licence or insurance.
Jack Spackman, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage.
Kyle Worthington, 21, admitted to conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
He also faces sentencing for separate charges of dangerous driving.

The youth involved in the attack was sentenced earlier to a three-year youth rehabilitation order.

Meanwhile, Corden, Spackman, and Worthington have been remanded in custody, with Spackman and Worthington expected to be sentenced on February 7.

The prosecution has yet to accept Corden’s basis of plea, meaning his sentencing could be delayed further.

A Community Left in Shock

The violent assault has left the community in disbelief, with many questioning how a simple near-miss on the road could escalate into such a horrific event.

The victims, who were just doing their jobs, now face lifelong trauma and uncertainty.

As the court prepares to deliver justice, many hope this case will serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of senseless violence.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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