Two separate incidents occurred in Stoke-on-Trent where bin crews were violently attacked after a roadside argument. In the first incident on Fairhaven Grove in Birches Head, a driver of a black Vauxhall Corsa confronts the crew of a Stoke-on-Trent City Council bin wagon. The driver exits his vehicle and engages in a physical altercation with the crew, even using a lollipop man’s school crossing patrol sign to attack the lorry as it tries to escape.
Later in the day, the same driver and three other men launch another attack on a different bin wagon on Birches Head Road. Armed with weapons such as a hatchet, axe, sledgehammer, and baton, they approach the council vehicle while the crew remains unaware. The gang quickly targets the vehicle, striking one crew member with a baton and attacking another as he falls over a wheelie bin.
In the first attack, the bin lorry driver was punched three times through a window and required hospital treatment for injuries to his head, face, and foot. In the second attack, three binmen were injured, with one needing hospital treatment for injuries to the face, head, and leg.
The police managed to locate the Vauxhall Corsa in Kidsgrove and found a sledgehammer inside. One member of the gang was arrested three days later in Suffolk. Joe Cordon, aged 27, admitted multiple charges including wounding with intent, assault, criminal damage, and driving offenses.
The other individuals involved in the attacks have also been identified and have admitted various charges related to causing grievous bodily harm, possessing offensive weapons, and criminal damage. They are scheduled to be sentenced on September 13 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
These disturbing incidents highlight the need for increased safety measures and vigilance for bin crews working in the area.