Grimsby man jailed for 20 years for targeted hit and run

A man has been jailed for 20 years after pleading guilty to murdering a man - by mounting the pavement and mowing him down in a targeted hit and run.

Liam Boydell, aged 23, of Columbus Way, Grimsby, was charged with Reece’s murder after the incident in May this year.

He pleaded guilty at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday 4th August and was remanded until today, Tuesday 5th December for sentencing.

Back in May officers were called out to Carnforth Crescent in Grimsby after members of the public reported a man had sustained a serious head injury after being hit by a vehicle.

35-year-old Reece Braithwaite was taken to hospital where he was in a critical condition before he died three days later.

Reece had been fatally injured in a revenge attack in connection with an unfounded rumour that he was in a relationship with a relative of Boydell’s friend.

Detective Inspector Samantha Chester leading the investigation said:

“The callous actions of Boydell that evening were absolutely unforgiveable.

“This was an indefensible and ruthless attack on a man who had all of his life in front of him and everything to look forward to.

“Boydell has left Reece’s loved ones having to navigate the extremely difficult and heart-breaking path of life without their son, brother and father.

“I hope the sentence imposed today will give Boydell ample time to reflect upon his actions the day he got behind the wheel of that car, and vengefully took the life of a young man and his future he had ahead of him.”