Men charged in connection with racially-aggravated attack on Bristol NHS worker

Katungua Tjitendero, who was 21 at the time of the incident, was hit by a car as he walked home from work

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 18th May 2023
Last updated 18th May 2023

4 men have been charged in connection with an alleged racially motivated attack in Bristol where an NHS worker was hit by a car as he walked home along the pavement.

24 year old Katungua Tjitendero broke his leg and suffered serious facial injuries in the incident in July 2020 in Horfield.

He also suffered a broken leg and nose during the incident on July 22.

A dedicated team of detectives has worked with data forensic specialists, collision investigators, crime scene investigators and forensic scientists in the complex two-year investigation.

The men - all from Bristol and aged between 21 and 49 - will appear in court next month, and a 5th man who was also arrested has been released without charge.

Katungua's family continue to receive support from SARI and our thoughts are with them as we announce this development.

They'll be heard at Bristol Magistrates' Court on 27 June charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The men facing charges are:

  • Phillip Adams, 25, of Southmead
  • Patrick James, 21, of Lawrence Weston
  • Jordan McCarthy, 21 of Lawrence Weston
  • Daniel Whereatt, 49, of Bedminster

Patrick James also faces a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with an earlier, similar incident.

On July 12 the same year, a vehicle mounted the pavement on Broadlands Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, injuring a man on a bicycle and failing to stop.

The cyclist, a man in his fifties, was hospitalised for treatment to injuries including fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and bruising.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Mike Buck said: "We understand the length of time this complex investigation has taken has been difficult and frustrating, taking its toll on Katungua and his family.

"Criminal proceedings are now underway and the defendants have a right to a fair trial. It's important that there is no reporting, commentary or online posting which could prejudice this case and prevent justice from being done."

Andrew Pritchard of CPS South West said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge four people with Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent, in relation to an incident in which a man was struck by a car on Monks Parks Avenue in 2020. One of these men has also been charged with Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving, in relation to a separate incident.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these four men are active and that they have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Katungua Tjitendero, now 24, is recovering and has since been able to continue performing music and return to work.

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