Bournemouth man jailed for nine years following crash

This article includes footage that viewers may find distressing.

One victim, a man in his 20s, can be seen flying through the air into a neighbouring garden.

He was airlifted to hospital and suffered brain contusions, and facial and elbow fractures and was in the intensive care unit for a fortnight. 

The driver of the vehicle can be seen exiting the car to chase down, punch, kick and stamp on the second victim, before leaving the scene on foot.

(Image: CPS)

This incident occurred on Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, on July 16.

The perpetrator Leon Fowler, 25 and of Bournemouth was sentenced to nine years in prison for the offence at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The footage is taken from a road sweeper and a nearby shop. It was shown to the court as part of the court case.

Fowler, previously of Weymouth and now of Ensbury Park Road, Bournemouth, had a history with the men but during the case, he admitted that it does not excuse what he did.

At sentencing, Judge William Mousley said to Fowler: "You decided to drive the car at speed into two pedestrians who you know, and with who you appeared to have a problem. 

"They were unaware of the impending collision and had no chance of avoiding what took place."

Custody photo of Leon Fowler (Image: Dorset Police)

Judge Mousley sentenced Fowler to nine years in prison for grievous bodily harm and a concurrent sentence of two years for attempted grievous bodily harm. He is also disqualified from driving for six and a half years and has a restraining order from the victims for the next ten years.

No separate penalty was given for his other charges of failing to stop and not reporting the crash.

Warning, this video may be disturbing to some, viewer discretion is advised.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Donna Taylor, of Dorset County CID, said: “Leon Fowler effectively used his vehicle as a weapon, intentionally driving into his victims, leaving one of them with very serious injuries. His reckless actions could easily have had fatal consequences.

“We responded swiftly to the incident and through detailed enquiries were able to identify Fowler as the offender and apprehend him.

“Detectives have since been compiling evidence to put before the court to ensure he is held accountable for his extremely dangerous actions.”