Driver jailed for hitting pedestrians on Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth

Leon Fowler, 25, had 'problems' with the victims - two men - when he saw them walking down Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth on July 16, before deliberately crashing into them at speed with his car.

One victim, a man in his 20s, was sent flying through the air into a neighbouring garden.

He was airlifted to hospital and suffered brain contusions, and facial and elbow fractures and was in the intensive care unit for a fortnight. He says he still suffers from the mental and physical scars this has left him.

After ramming the men, Fowler exited his car to chase down, punch, kick and stamp on the second victim, before leaving the scene on foot.

The road closure on Abbotsbury Road (Image: Newsquest)

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing today after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

Ruba Huleihel, prosecuting, said: "He used his car as a weapon and deliberately drove at speed at the victims who were walking on the street."

Ms Huleihel told the court that Fowler showed no concern for the victim knocked into the garden, despite him appearing to be unconscious.

In a victim statement read to the court, the victim who was flung into the garden says his face still burns from the nerve damage, and that his elbow will never be the same, causing him constant agony. He says the pain and scars provide a constant reminder of the incident.

The court also heard that in a police interview following the incident Fowler did not comment, saying he had a brain fog and didn't recall the incident. Upon being shown the CCTV footage, he said that he had only been trying to scare one of the victims.

This incident took place on July 16 at around 8pm near Abbotsbury Road's junction with Cromwell Road.

The court was shown numerous videos from multiple angles, including from a road sweeper and a nearby shop, of the crash.

Custody photo of Leon Fowler (Image: Dorset Police)

Jonathan Underhill, mitigating, told the court that there was some history between the men, but added that Fowler is clear that this does not excuse what he did.

Mr Underhill added: "He is struggling to deal with the fact that as a man of 25 years old he finds himself having done something considerably catastrophic.

"As cold comfort as it may be he is sorry.

"All taken together his decision to do what he did has blighted three lives."

Mr Underhill added that Fowler, previously of Weymouth and now of Ensbury Park Road, Bournemouth, is the primary carer for his mother, has a long-term relationship and this is his first offence.

Sentencing Fowler, Judge William Mousley said: "You decided to drive the car at speed into two pedestrians who you know, and with who you appeared to have a problem. 

"They were unaware of the impending collision and had no chance of avoiding what took place."

Judge Mousley sentenced Fowler to nine years in prison for grievous bodily harm and a concurrent sentence of two years for attempted grievous bodily harm. He is also disqualified from driving for six and a half years and has a restraining order from the victims for the next ten years.

No separate penalty was given for his other charges of failing to stop and not reporting the crash.

(Image: NQ)

A 59-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the incident was subsequently released without charge.

Detective Constable Donna Taylor, of Dorset County CID, said: “Leon Fowler effectively used his vehicle as a weapon, intentionally driving into his victims, leaving one of them with very serious injuries. His reckless actions could easily have had fatal consequences.

“We responded swiftly to the incident and through detailed enquiries were able to identify Fowler as the offender and apprehend him.

“Detectives have since been compiling evidence to put before the court to ensure he is held accountable for his extremely dangerous actions.”