Man jailed for 'cold-blooded revenge' van attack

A driver who mowed down a man in a "cold-blooded revenge" attack has been jailed.

Ricky Lee Wayne Murphy, 30, struck pedestrian Danny Brennan with his van in Prescott Road, Carlisle, on 4 January, leaving him with a significant and life-changing brain injury.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how there had been a dispute between the two before the hit-and-run attack, where Brennan was thrown into a brick pillar which broke under the impact of his head hitting it.

A jury unanimously found Murphy, of Ferguson Place, guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and he was jailed for nine years.

The court heard of a dispute between the two men, which involved Murphy suffering a "ferocious unreported 26-blow attack" from Brennan in the city centre the previous day.

A jury heard prior to the first attack, Murphy had damaged a vehicle belonging to Brennan.

Brennan was on his phone when he was struck by a blue Fiat Scudo van driven by Murphy in the Longsowerby area at about 15:00 GMT.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, said he was "struck with such force by the vehicle that he was thrown into a pillar constructed of brick" and broke the pillar.

The court heard how Murphy fled the scene and police later found the vehicle which had been set on fire.

A search on the mobile phone handset of Murphy's girlfriend read: "How long a jail sentence for running someone over without a licence?"

Brennan, who was struck from behind, was placed in a coma after suffering a serious brain injury.

He was in hospital for three months and had been deemed fit for weekend leave, but relatives had erected a notice board in his room to remind him of why he was there.

Evans said a long-term prognosis was unknown for Brennan, adding "the reality is that Danny may never fully recover", meanwhile his partner said the effects of "this cowardly act will remain with us for the rest of our lives".

Murphy had denied causing Brennan grievous bodily harm with intent.

Imposing the nine-year jail term, Judge Michael Fanning said: "This looks to me like cold-blooded revenge.

"Opportunity presents itself and you think nothing of using your car as a highly dangerous weapon against a pedestrian on a pavement."

He added: "The risk of serious injury or death in this scenario is sky high."

Murphy must serve two-thirds of the nine-year term in custody and serve an extended three-year licence period.

He must also serve a five-year driving ban when released from prison.

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