Drug user jailed for running thief over
Ian Bailey, of Margaret Avenue, Trentham, was yesterday jailed for 12 months after admitting dangerous driving and assaulting Darren Wright, occasioning him actual bodily harm.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Mr Wright approached 33-year-old Bailey's car in Clewlow Street, Longton, at 5.15pm on April 16 last year and stole his methadone bottle.
Prosecutor Phillip Beardwell said witnesses saw Mr Wright running away.
"He was chased by the black Fiat Punto which knocked him to the ground. His legs were under the car. The witnesses saw the defendant drive over Mr Wright's legs.
"The defendant reversed at Mr Wright, who managed to scramble to his feet and move out the way," said Mr Beardwell.
"Every time Mr Wright tried to escape the defendant reversed or drove forwards in an attempt to block his escape.
"He managed to flee down Anchor Road and the car mounted the pavement after him. There was an elderly resident in the street at the time. Mr Wright was pursued to a house by the defendant, who got out the car and started banging on the door. Mr Wright eventually reappeared and ran off," added the prosecutor.
The court heard Mr Wright suffered cuts to his nose and right knee, severe bruising to his legs and suffered considerable pain.
Witnesses called the police and the Punto registration number was traced to Bailey's mother.
Joanne Wallbanks, defending asked Judge Granville Styler to suspend any prison sentence because of Bailey's motivation to attack his drug problem.
But the judge said an immediate custodial sentence was inevitable.
"This was an extremely serious matter," the judge told Bailey.
"You used your car as a weapon, you deliberately knocked him down and deliberately drove over his legs.
"Mercifully, the injuries were not more serious. They could have been fatal."
Bailey was also disqualified from driving for two years and must take an extended re-test before he can drive again.
He will serve up to half the sentence.
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