Harlow: Man jailed after he drove over a man after argument

A man who drove over a man after a queue-jumping argument at a drive-thru, has been jailed.

Shortly after 11pm on Saturday 28 August 2021, the occupants of a car were waiting in line at the McDonalds drive-thru in The Oaks Retail Park, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, when the driver of a Blue Audi drove in front of them. At the time, there were about 15 cars in a queue waiting to place orders.

Two people from the car got out and approached the Audi driver.

Following an argument about queue-jumping, the two men decided to get back in their car.

As they walked in front of the Audi, the driver revved the engine before striking one of the men, causing him to fall.

In an attempt to get away, the Audi drove over the victim, a man aged 20s, as he lay on the floor.

The Audi was located 12 hours later, and the driver identified as Martin Moran.

Following an investigation by Harlow CID, Moran, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was charged with GBH with intent and appeared at Chelmsford Youth Court on 24 June 2022.

The now 19-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous hearing and was jailed for 2 years and 10 months when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 5 July.

Harlow CID's DC Blair, investigating the assault, said:
The victim truly believed that Moran was going to kill him as he carried out this vicious, cowardly assault.
The victim suffered several injuries that will be life changing for him.
I’d like to thank him for supporting this investigation throughout his recovery – it must have been difficult for him to recall the details and relive the incident. But his bravery has meant Moran has been appropriately sentenced for his actions.