Thurrock: Man jailed for GBH after hitting man with car

A man who suffered life-changing injuries when a car was deliberately driven at him after a night out in West Thurrock has spoken about the on-going impact on his life.

The 28-year-old was knocked into the air during the incident and spent weeks in hospital. He is still recovering at home more than seven months later.

The victim said:

“My life has completely changed since that night. I can only walk with support of crutches or a frame and am having physio to help get stronger.
"I can’t work and the days are so long, but I’m trying to be positive and rebuild my life.
"I’m really grateful to the police for their thorough investigation and support which ensured my attacker faced justice.”

Brandon Stewart deliberately drove at his victim in a West Thurrock multi-storey car park.

He was jailed for 15 years by the judge at Basildon Crown Court.

On Friday 5 January this year officers were called to an incident at a car park at Lakeside shopping centre following a report from ambulance service colleagues that a man had been hit by a car and the suspect had left the scene.

The car had been driven the wrong way round the car park by Stewart, colliding with a barrier and then hitting the victim.

Stewart fled the scene, leaving his victim with multiple injuries, before returning to his vehicle and jamming a lighter and rag into the petrol tank, in an attempt to set the car on fire.

The incident happened at around 11.30pm after the victim and the suspect had both been in mini-golf venue Puttshack earlier in the evening.

Stewart, 24, of Hampton Crescent, Gravesend, Kent, sat in his car and waited for the victim to appear. He then reversed his car back into the service road, turned into the car park, accelerated, and hit the victim.

The victim suffered life-changing injuries including multiple broken bones in his legs, crush injuries and collapsed lungs. He spent an extensive amount of time in hospital and is still recovering.

After a swift investigation, involving talking to numerous witnesses and the victim himself, officers arrested Stewart within 48 hours of the incident.

He refused to answer any questions when interviewed by officers.

He admitted attempted arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and then during his trial at Basildon Crown Court, which commenced on Monday 5 August, he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

On Tuesday 13 August a jury found him guilty by a majority verdict of 10-2 to the one outstanding charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced the same day to 15 years in prison.

He was jailed for 12 years for grievous bodily harm with intent and three years for attempted arson. These sentences are to run consecutively. He received a 40-month prison sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which will run concurrently.

He was also disqualified from driving and must retake his test before being allowed to drive again. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Investigating officer Acting Detective Sergeant Nima Fouladipour said:

“The victim suffered extensive and life-changing injuries because of Stewart’s actions on that day.
"It was a horrific attack. We will not tolerate the use of violence in Essex and, as in this case, we fully investigate and will do everything we can to bring those responsible before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.
"This investigation was a fast-paced piece of police work, across several departments. Our focus was always the victim of this attack, no-one should be made to feel unsafe while simply on a night out.
"He has shown incredible strength and commitment throughout a difficult year and I hope this verdict and sentence helps him and he can move forward with his life.”

The victim, who lives in Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire, added:

“I would like to thank Nima, they really supported me through the investigation and during the trial.”

The case against Sophie Kular, who had been charged in connection with this incident, was discontinued.

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