A MAN has been jailed for deliberately crashing into a pedestrian in a car park.

Samuel Talman, of Copthorne, mounted the kerb and accelerated in his Audi towards two people after bricks were thrown at his car.

The victim was struck by the car and thrown onto the bonnet, causing serious facial injuries and several broken vertebrae.

The injured person was able to stagger to a nearby residential area, where an ambulance was called.

The Argus: Samuel Talman, of Copthorne Samuel Talman, of Copthorne

The incident happened in a car park in Edenbridge, Kent, on July 20, 2020.

An investigation established that a group of people had been walking close to the victim at the time of the incident, but had managed to run to safety.

After his arrest, a jury heard that Talman, 30, had been involved in a violent dispute with the group prior to the crash.

The court heard that bricks had been thrown at his car. It was claimed he panicked and drove through a bush to get away, before accidentally colliding with the victim.

However, Talman, of Snowhill Lane, Copthorne, was found guilty of wounding with intent and sentenced to six years in prison.

Detective Constable Abbie Brookes said: “Whilst it is possible Talman may have confused the victim with being involved in the group he had been in a dispute with, there can be no doubt that he deliberately used his car as a loaded weapon to pursue him.

“His actions could easily have had fatal consequences and he has inflicted life changing injuries, which will almost certainly affect the victim for the rest of his life.

“As well as the lasting physical scars, the impact of this crime will likely have a significant psychological impact on the victim.

“I only hope this sentence will provide some closure and reassurance that at least justice has now been served.”