Driver Intentionally Hits Three People Outside Pub Following Dispute- Wales Online
A catastrophic incident unfolded in Blackwood town centre as a driver, identified as Dean Murray, purposely rammed his van into a group of three individuals on a pavement outside a pub. The victims, who had to be hospitalised due to the severity of their injuries, were targeted by the man after he had been reportedly harassing women and was subsequently asked to depart from the scene. The shocking event took place on November 13, 2022, and left the community in a state of shock and disbelief.
The events leading up to the altercation began after Murray, aged 29, had been consuming alcohol and drugs in the vicinity of Blackwood town centre. His inappropriate behaviour towards a group of women resulted in him being instructed to leave the premises, a directive he blatantly ignored. Subsequently, despite being warned by the men accompanying the women to depart, Murray persisted in his attempts to engage with the group, making vitriolic threats towards them. The confrontation escalated when Murray, in a fit of rage, demanded to know the whereabouts of his phone from the group.
As tensions mounted during the late hours of the evening, Libby West, one of the victims, suffered an injury to her finger as it got caught in the door of Murray’s van. The ensuing chaos and commotion prompted Murray to verbally confront one of the men from the group. Despite being urged to desist by the group, Murray callously chose to retaliate by accelerating his van towards them. The calculated act of aggression saw the van hurtling towards the group at an estimated speed of 20-30mph, resulting in the collision that left three individuals injured.
The aftermath of the harrowing incident saw the victims, Libby West, Brandon Sweeney, and Ben Angel, rushed to Grange University Hospital for medical attention. While Mr Sweeney sustained injuries to his leg and calf along with bruising to his ribcage and back, Ms West and Mr Angel endured body bruises as well. In a poignant victim impact statement presented to the court, Ms West detailed the physical and emotional trauma she endured following the ordeal, highlighting the lasting impact on her daily life and mental well-being.
Following swift investigations, Murray, residing in Cwm Lane, Govilon, Monmouthshire, was apprehended at his residence and subsequently charged with dangerous driving and three counts of attempted grievous bodily harm. During the sentencing phase, Recorder Robin Rouch acknowledged Murray’s troubled past and psychological issues, attributing them as contributing factors to his reprehensible actions. Despite these considerations, Murray was handed a 52-month prison sentence, with a disqualification from driving for 57 months, ultimately holding him accountable for his reckless and malicious behaviour.
The court proceedings shed light on the gravity of the incident, stressing the need for accountability and justice for the victims. The deliberate and premeditated nature of the crime underscored the need for stringent measures to deter such heinous acts in the future. As the community grapples with the repercussions of this alarming event, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining civility and respect in interactions, underlining the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression and violence within society.