Man charged after car driven into crowd in Derby
A man has been charged after a car was driven into a group of people in Derby.
Police have charged a man after a car was driven into a group of people in Derby.
Seven were taken to hospital after the crash in Friar Gate at around 9:30pm on Saturday (28 March). Three are still being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.
A 36-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards and, after detectives were granted extra time to question him, has since been charged.
Sandhu Ponnachan, of Chariot Close, Alvaston, but who is originally from India, is accused of multiple offences, including grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, attempted GBH with intent, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court today (1 April).
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said: “This incident has, naturally, sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole.
“My thoughts, and those of the wider force, remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene.
“I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the people that have assisted our investigation – the public, partner agencies, local businesses and also the media and wider community for their patience and understanding as we have worked to seek a charge.
“While today’s charge is positive news, and one that I hope brings a degree of reassurance, the investigation into the incident continues and I would once again appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.
“We are still very keen to hear from who anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage that could assist our enquiries and would urge you to contact us via the details below, if you have not already done so.
“As a final word, now that charges have been made I’d ask for the cooperation of the public to allow the judicial process to continue without any speculation online or elsewhere that could impede the pursuit of justice for all those affected.”
Janine McKinney of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Sandhu Ponnachan with six counts of six counts of Section 18 GBH with intent, one count of attempted Section 18 GBH with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article following a police investigation into the incident in Derby on Saturday evening.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
“We have worked carefully with Derbyshire Police as they carried out their investigation.”