Derby Man Remanded After Seven Pedestrians Hit in City Centre
Derby Man Remanded After Seven Pedestrians Hit in City Centre
A Derby man appeared in court after seven pedestrians were injured when a car struck them in the city centre, facing multiple GBH and driving charges.
A Derby man has been charged after seven pedestrians were injured when a car struck a group in Derby city centre on Saturday evening. The driver, Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, from Alvaston, Derby, was identified as the person behind the black Suzuki Swift involved in the Friar Gate incident at about 21:30 GMT.
He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was remanded to Derby Crown Court for a hearing on 29 April. He faces six counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article. Prosecutors say he admitted being the driver and told police he was heading into the city centre to buy a pizza.
Seven pedestrians—four men and three women aged 36 to 52—were seriously injured but their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Four have since been discharged from hospital.
During the short hearing, there was no bail application. District Judge Jonathan Taaffe noted the seriousness of the charges and indicated the case would be dealt with at the crown court. Police said extra patrols would be in place over the Easter weekend as inquiries continue.
The investigation remains ongoing and further details are expected at the next hearing.
