Hull man sentenced for attempting to kill woman with car before assaulting her
The judge also imposed an indefinite restraining order, forfeiture and destruction of the baseball bat used in the attack
A man who attempted to kill a woman he knew with his car before assaulting her with a baseball bat, causing serious injuries, has been sentenced.
Lawrence Worville, 51-years-old, of Spring Bank West in Hull, admitted to burglary, possession of an offensive weapon, disqualified driving, and breach of restraining order back in June 2025, however after pleading not guilty to attempted murder a trial was set where he was found guilty last month (Wednesday, 10 June 2026).
Worville was sentenced at Hull Crown Court today (Thursday, 9 July 2026) to 24 years behind bars.
Police say he will be required to remain on extended licence as a dangerous offender for a further four years upon his release.
The judge also imposed an indefinite restraining order, forfeiture and destruction of the baseball bat used in the attack, and forfeiture of the vehicle used, of which the proceeds will go to the owner of the coffee shop where damage was caused by the vehicle. Worville has also received six points on his driving licence.
Humberside Police received a call shortly before 7.30am on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 to reports that a woman had been struck by someone believed to be known to her in a silver Volkswagen Polo on Chanterlands Avenue near to the junction with Lyton Avenue in Hull.
Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to hospital to receive treatment to multiple serious injuries including a severely broken leg, a head injury, and broken finger.
A man in his 50s, later identified as Lawrence Worville, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.
Bravely speaking after sentencing, the woman said:
“I never thought I would ever be put in this position, or that something like this would ever happen to me.
“Without the heroic actions of those who came to my aid that day, it would have been a very different outcome; I have no doubt that they saved my life.
“I will be forever grateful for all the support Humberside Police has given me throughout the entirety of the investigation, alongside Domestic Abuse Partnership (DAP) as well, for standing by my side every step of the way.
“My NHS family; it’s been a long road but thank you for getting me back on my feet, and to my friends and family – you have been, and always will be, my rocks.
“My final plea goes to anyone who recognises themselves in this situation or has been affected after hearing what happened to me, please reach out and talk to someone. Whether that’s a trusted friend, or family member, the police, charity or support agency, please tell someone. I wish I had done it sooner, but now I am overwhelmed with the result and that Worville is finally behind bars where he belongs.”
Leading the investigation was Detective Inspector Helen Collier from the Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Investigation Team, who said:
“Worville is a cruel and calculating man who set out that day armed with two weapons – his car and a baseball bat - to cause fear, alarm, and attempt to kill an innocent woman he knew.
“Not only this, but in his obsession with her, he sought her out the day before by committing a burglary at a business premises to find out where she had moved to.
“In the sinister footage that was released after he was found guilty; you can also see him purchase a baseball bat just before the incident.
“He then ploughed into her with his car, speeding up as he got closer to her as she was walking down the street before repeatedly assaulting her causing serious injuries to her body. All of which she is still bravely recovering from, both mentally and physically.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who came to the woman’s aid that day and heroically intervened, restraining Worville until police arrived at the scene to arrest him, despite being threatened by Worville wielding a bat themselves.
“Worville then refused to admit that he went out that day with the intent to kill her, instead claiming grievous bodily harm. This charge was not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and the indictment of attempted murder was brought forward, meaning Worville forced the woman to endure the terrifying details all over again during the trial. This is not only cruel, but cowardly.
“Worville is a dangerous, conniving individual who subjected a woman to an unimaginable attack which left her spending ten days in hospital.
“I am pleased Worville will be behind bars for a very long time, but by no means does the result today take away the trauma and pain the woman will continue to face on a daily basis as she tries to navigate through life on what will be a long journey of physical and emotional recovery.
“Violent crime will never be tolerated in our communities, and we will do everything we can to seek justice for victims to ensure our residents feel safe and criminals are punished.”