Clowne: Man 'seeking revenge' drove van into eight people

A man "seeking revenge" who drove into eight people after being beaten up has been jailed for 11 years.

Derby Crown Court heard Jake Wallis was "embarrassed" in the fight at the Nags Head, in Clowne, Derbyshire, on 4 June.

The 28-year-old then climbed into his van and drove at the group three times, leaving eight people injured.

One woman, who was not involved in the fight, was left in a coma and now requires round-the-clock care from her parents, the court was told on Tuesday.

Another one of Wallis's victims was hit head-on and "propelled along the bonnet and windscreen for 20 yards" to a pelican crossing, while another man had to be dragged to safety after being hit.

Two women also became trapped under Wallis's van after he "reversed at speed" out of the car park, the court was told.

After the final collision, Wallis fled the vehicle, but he was tripped and knocked unconscious before he was arrested.

Andrew Peet, prosecuting, read a series of victim impact statements from the eight people who suffered a wide range of injuries - from broken bones, to cuts and bruises.

Another victim, Mark Kelly, a telecommunications engineer, told the hearing he used to cycle and spend time outdoors, being active with his three children.

But he said he was now having to work from home doing administration tasks due to his leg injuries.

"I was just on my way home, I was in the wrong place, wrong time," he said.

Judge Jonathan Bennett said it was "miraculous" no-one was killed.

Addressing Wallis, the judge added: "This was not an isolated moment of madness when the red mist came down. It came as a result of a whole series of serious errors of judgement you made.

"The van was deliberately used as a weapon which was, in the circumstances, a highly dangerous weapon... you were seeking revenge."

The judge also praised bystanders who came to the aid of the victims.

Wallis, of Orchard Rise, Cocking Lane, Treswell, Nottinghamshire, previously admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and four counts of attempted grievous bodily harm.

He was found not guilty of attempted murder following a trial.

Wallis was also handed a driving ban of 11 years and 10 months and will have to pass an extended driving test.

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