A man brandishing a taser weapon chased a van driver into an Aldi car park in Cardiff, threatening to harm him before being knocked over by the van. Christopher Short, 47, was seen speeding into the car park on July 8 in pursuit of the van before stopping near the Birchgrove pub. The incident unfolded as Short shouted threats at the van driver, claiming he would “batter” him, and proceeded to approach the vehicle on foot. In response, the van driver drove at Short at 20mph, hitting him, before driving away.
The police were able to identify both drivers involved in the altercation. When authorities visited the van driver’s address, his partner informed them that someone had attempted to taser her. Upon Short’s arrest, a taser was discovered in his possession, with Short remarking that it was non-functional. Short, residing in Kingsley Place, Senghenydd, Caerphilly, admitted to possessing an offensive weapon and driving carelessly.
Short’s previous criminal record includes 13 convictions for various offenses such as dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and possession of illegal weapons in public places. In his defense, his attorney Ed Mitchard claimed the taser was inoperable, serving as a mere curiosity. During the sentencing at Newport Crown Court, Judge Vanessa Francis emphasised the severity of possessing a taser, categorising it as a firearm. Short received a 12-month community order, with additional requirements to undertake a 20-day rehabilitation programme and pay £500 in costs.