Fleetwood man ran over his enemy during street row and left him with serious injuries

Preston Crown Court heard there had been a history between defendant Gareth Baker, 25, and Aiden Ritchie, whom the court heard had 'tormented him' before the hit and run on August 2 last year.

Baker, who admits causing grievous bodily harm with intent, left his victim with a fractured pelvis which required surgery, and a broken arm and collarbone.

Prosecuting, Wayne Jackson, said Ritchie was on his bike on Lindle Road in Fleetwood when the men had a verbal argument, started by the victim.

Baker, of Harbour Way, Fleetwood, was driving a silver Peugeot at the time, and a witness said Ritchie kicked the vehicle.

Mr Jackson said: "The defendant saw red and drove the Peugeot towards him, knocking him off his bike."

Mr Ritchie got up but was then driven at again and knocked over.

He then saw the car reversing towards him, driving over his back before speeding off.

Mr Jackson added: "He thought he was going to die.

"He managed to get to his feet and get to a nearby shop, and was covered in blood. He could barely stand."

Ritchie was taken to hospital by ambulance and had a major trauma CT scan which showed his pelvis was fractured in several places, and haematomas. He had to undergo surgery but discharged himself on August 8.

People witnessed the incident and the car registration was traced.

Baker told police: "I moved from Darwen to avoid this sh**. I lost my temper."

Defending, Andrea Lock said Baker, who has a previous conviction for wounding a man by breaking his jaw,"deeply regretted" the incident.

She revealed since the incident he and his family had suffered further incidents from associates of Mr Ritchie, including threats to burn their house down and their rabbit hutches being overturned.

Jailing him and imposing a three year ban to start one his release, Judge David Potter said: "I'm satisfied Mr Ritchie provoked an argument with you. It is clear from what I have read about the background and events subsequent to your arrest that there has been a history between you and Mr Ritchie.

"I am satisfied Mr Ritchie was the provocateur that day. He rode swiftly to catch up with your vehicle and kicked it.

"But after that you completely lost your temper and with it all sense of rationality, other than an intent to cause him really serious bodily harm, because in the next few moments of utter madness you used that car as a weapon.

"You left him seriously injured by this deliberate piece of highly dangerous driving."

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