A 32-year-old man from Ipswich has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after deliberately driving a car into a group of pedestrians following a dispute at a pub earlier this year.
Thomas Broughton, who lives on Woodbridge Road, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday, November 17, where he received a substantial prison term for his actions.
The violent incident took place shortly after midnight on Sunday, March 8. Broughton drove his vehicle along 123 A3 before mounting the pavement on St Helens Street near Elmy Cycles, colliding with the men standing there. After the collision, he sped off through a red traffic light heading towards the town centre.
Just over an hour later, Broughton contacted the police to confess to the hit-and-run and returned to the scene, where officers arrested him at approximately 1:30 am.
During his trial in September, Broughton denied intentionally targeting the victims, stating that he swerved after “seeing a flash.” However, the jury unanimously found him guilty of deliberately intending to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court handed down the following sentences:
- Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 18 years
- Two counts of attempted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 10 years each (to run concurrently)
- Dangerous driving: 2 years (to run concurrently) plus a 16-year driving ban
Broughton must serve a minimum of 12 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.
Senior Investigating Officer, T/Detective Superintendent David Henderson, commented on the case: “There is no doubt Thomas Broughton mounted the pavement deliberately to harm the group. This was a reckless revenge attack sparked by a minor pub squabble. One victim now has serious injuries, limited mobility, memory problems, and cannot walk unaided.”
He added, “The sentence reflects the severity of Broughton’s crimes and his refusal to accept responsibility. I hope he uses this time to consider the devastating impact of his actions.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
