A wave of gasps and spontaneous applause erupted in the courtroom today as a road-rage killer received a lengthy prison sentence. The incident involved a man who fatally dragged another individual beside his vehicle during a confrontation while he was running late for work.

The victim, Rhyce Harding, a young landscaper, lost his life after an altercation with another driver who had cut him off in traffic on the outskirts of Sydney in June 2024.

Bradley Wayne Wilkinson, found guilty of killing his fellow utility vehicle driver before fleeing the scene, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Wilkinson, appearing via audio-visual link from Bathurst prison, sat silently with his head bowed throughout the proceedings.

He appeared visibly distressed, placing his head in his hands, as the court handed down a non-parole period of 12 years, set to conclude on June 20, 2036.

The presiding judge acknowledged the profound emotional and psychological impact the crime has had on Harding’s family, expressing that no words could ease their enduring sorrow.

In handing down his sentence, he noted Wilkinson’s history of violence, including assaults dating back to 2014 and three fights in custody since his arrest.

Outside court, Harding’s parents said their son was the glue that held the family together.

They supported the judge’s sentence.

“It gives a message to anybody who does road rage and takes another life to think twice,” father John Harding said.

“Road rage is not worth it.”

Mother Mary Harding told reporters the legal system was waking up.

“Finally, they’re giving a sentence which is deserving,” she said.

“If I could have given him 50 years, I would have.”