Digger driver goes on £700,000 rampage as they flip over fully-loaded 44-ton lorry
‘Berserk’ digger driver goes on £700,000 rampage, flips over fully-loaded 44-ton lorry, throws around a Transit van and smashes through offices after work row
- An unnamed man, 44, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court yesterday
- He was charged with criminal damage after rampage in Iver on Wednesday
- Allegedly a ‘long-standing employee’ who was in a dispute with the firm
- Pictures show a digger destroying vehicles at Paynes Metal Recycling plant
- Do you know the digger driver? Email emer.scully@mailonline.co.uk
A digger driver has smashed up £700,000 worth of lorries, vans and offices during a rampage at a recycling yard.
The unnamed 44-year-old man appeared at Reading Magistrates Court yesterday charged with criminal damage.
He was a ‘long-standing’ employee who ‘just went beserk’ and used a digger to destroy vehicles left at Paynes Metal Recycling in Iver, Buckinghamshire at 6.15am on Wednesday, The Sun reported.
Shocking images show the yard in the wake of the man’s frenzied attack. He was accused of smashing through a series of portable cabins while terrified staff were still trapped inside.
The unnamed 44-year-old man appeared at Reading Magistrates Court yesterday charged with criminal damage. Pictured, a lorry was pulled over
Four cabins were shredded and an articulated Scania lorry was pictured on its side
He then used the yellow digger to flip a fully-loaded 44-ton lorry, according to reports.
A white Ford Transit van was ‘thrown around like a Dinky toy’ and a Range Rover was left with a gaping hole.
Four cabins were shredded and an articulated Scania lorry was pictured on its side.
Workers were on site yesterday ahead of the clean up operation. A member of staff said: ‘He had worked there for years and then this happened. It has really shocked everyone.’
A white Ford Transit van was ‘thrown around like a Dinky toy’ and a Range Rover was left with a gaping hole
One source claimed the man who carried out the attack was in dispute with someone at the firm (pictured), which was set up in 2005 by Roy Charles Payne
Another worker said there was a ‘bereavement’ but would not comment further.
One source claimed the man who carried out the attack was in dispute with someone at the firm, which was set up in 2005 by Roy Charles Payne.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: ‘A man has been charged with one count each of criminal damage, using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise in accordance with a licence.
‘The charges are in connection with an incident that took place in which a man used an excavator to damage vehicles and buildings at Paynes Metal Recycling.’
The 44-year-old, from Denham, Bucks, did not enter any pleas and he was remanded in custody to appear at Reading crown court on May 31.
The company owner, Mr Payne, 70, died recently.
