An ex-soldier has been found guilty of killing an amputee by running him over with his own car while fleeing the scene of a burglary in Erith.
Errol Woodger, 38, of Belvedere, was convicted at the Old Bailey of manslaughter and robbery following the fatal hit-and-run of Marc Allen, 50, in the early hours of 29 December 2019.
Woodger, who had served in Afghanistan, had broken into a block of flats on Peareswood Road before being confronted by Mr Allen, a resident and amputee who used a prosthetic leg. In the ensuing confrontation, Woodger stole Mr Allen’s car keys, fled in the victim’s grey Mercedes GLA, and used the vehicle to run him down as he stood in the road trying to stop the theft.
“Used the Car as a Weapon”
Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told jurors that Woodger had used the Mercedes “as a weapon”, revving the engine and striking Mr Allen at speed. The victim was thrown onto the bonnet and over the roof before hitting the ground with force.
Neighbour Linda Rumsey described the horrifying scene:
“He slid down the back of the boot and his head went bang when it hit the floor. I heard his head crack—it sent a shiver through me. Whoever was in that car was intent on taking it, nothing was going to stop him.”
Mr Allen was found with a severe head injury and was taken to King’s College Hospital, where he died a month later, having never regained consciousness.
Car Found, Forensic Evidence Recovered
The stolen car was found two days later on a driveway on the Isle of Dogs in east London. Although Woodger initially denied involvement, a review of the case in 2023 led to a breakthrough when his fingerprints and DNA were discovered on items inside the car, including a plastic box, a water bottle, and a cigarette.
Woodger was re-arrested and charged. In court, he admitted being in the vehicle but claimed he was just a passenger and that an accomplice, who later died from a drug overdose, had been the driver. The jury rejected this claim.
Previous Convictions and Sentencing
Woodger had 15 previous offences on his record, including robbery and attempted robbery. The prosecution suggested his real motivation was to steal tools and a vehicle to fund drug use.
After seven and a half hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of manslaughter and robbery. He was cleared of murder, prompting him to clap in the dock upon hearing the verdict.
Judge Rebecca Trowler KC remanded Woodger in custody, and he will be sentenced on 27 June.
Family and Community Impact
Mr Allen, described by friends and neighbours as a kind and determined man, had lost his leg due to illness but lived independently with the help of a Motability vehicle, which was the very car used in the deadly crime.
The case has reignited concerns over the use of vehicles as weapons and the dangers posed by repeat offenders with violent histories.
Anyone with further information on the incident or who may have witnessed activity in the Peareswood Road area on 29 December 2019 is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
