Pair jailed for attempted murder in hit-and-run at Essex train station
The victim was left with a critical brain injury
Last updated 23rd Jan 2024
Two men have been jailed after attempting to kill a man by running him over in a stolen car with false plates, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.
Joshua Littlechild, 25, of Delphian Way, Bishops Stortford and Joshua Lloyd, 28, of Oak Green, Billericay, were found guilty of attempted murder at Basildon Crown Court on 22 January 2024.
Littlechild had previously pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and aggravated taking without consent. Lloyd had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated taking without consent.
The court heard how, on 18 March 2023 just after 1am, the victim and his friends were heading to the taxi rank outside Billericay railway station after a night out when the victim became involved in an altercation with Littlechild and Lloyd.
The two groups split, with the victim and his friends walking back towards the station to get a taxi as planned. Whilst waiting at the taxi rank, a white Ford Fiesta driven by Littlechild drove at pace towards the group, hitting the victim before driving off.
The victim was left with a critical brain injury and required multiple surgeries to repair the damage. He suffers from severe headaches, struggles to remain balance and has severe cognitive issues. He has no short-term memory and struggles to recognise his newborn baby. He requires constant supervision which has had a huge strain on his family.
Upon investigation, officers identified the car was stolen a week previously and was on false plates. The car was located a short distance from Lloyd’s address. Text messages were found on Lloyd's phone, from Littlechild, warning that police had located the car. Lloyd was arrested at his home address on the 18 March 2023, and Littlechild was arrested three days later in the Newcastle area. Upon arrest he was found with a suitcase and his passport.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “This was a cowardly attack whereby the two suspects used a motor car to attempt to kill to the victim. The victim attempted to get out of the way of the car but had no room to escape. The defendants have shown no remorse and the victim has suffered life changing injuries. This is a sad case whereby a minor scuffle has dramatically changed the lives of all involved.
“My team of dedicated officers worked tirelessly, under the skilled leadership of DCI Painter, to obtain all possible evidence to ensure a conviction. I would also like to thank the uniform officers both BTP and Essex Police, and emergency services colleagues, who attended what was an extremely traumatic scene. I hope this result does some way to providing the victim and his family closure so that they can begin moving on with their lives.”