Driver Gets 10-Year Jail Term for Running Over Neighbour

Ten years’ jail upheld for a driver who chased a neighbour and deliberately ran him down after threatening him with an iron sickle, the Criminal Court of Appeal ruled. Appeal judges held that the defendant took narcotics by choice and remains answerable for what followed. The medical committee found no proof the drug was forced on him, nor that he thought it was anything else. He is to be punished as if sober, the court added, and the claim that he lacked intent to kill does not change that.

The file states the defendant turned up at the victim’s home in an abnormal state. He looked tense, shouted threats and waved an iron sickle, then left. He later returned to the same area, more aggressive, and chased the victim while holding the same blade. During the pursuit he smashed a window of the victim’s car in view of passers-by. An eyewitness said he saw the defendant running after the victim with the sickle and shouting that he would kill him.

The witness got the man into a car to calm him, but the defendant fought to get out and kept repeating the threats. Moments later he moved the vehicle and steered it at the victim. The victim tried to get clear. The defendant turned the car, accelerated and ran him over, pinning him between vehicles and keeping his foot down. The witness broke a window, shifted the gear to reverse, cut the engine and pulled the defendant out, while the defendant kept shouting that he would kill the victim. Medical reports recorded severe injuries, including fractures to both legs caused by strong crush force. Doctors warned such injuries can be fatal if complications arise. Investigators reported the defendant had recurring family disputes and used narcotics, leaving him quick to anger and violent in conduct. He admitted taking psychotropic substances and causing the incident, adding he could not recall the details because of the drug’s effect. Records showed a previous conviction for drug use.
In court, the Public Prosecution sought the maximum penalty, citing the risk he poses and the need for deterrence. It charged him with attempted murder for first trying to assault the victim with an iron sickle and then running him over to take his life, causing injuries. The acts came with the felony of using psychotropic substances at the same time and place, and with wilful damage to the victim’s property.