Man jailed for six years after deliberately hitting cyclist with his van in Ellesmere Port

A man who used his van as a weapon has been jailed for six years after deliberately htting a cyclist, causing life changing injuries.

John Christie, 37, of Newnham Drive in Ellesmere Port, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 21st October where he was sentenced after being found guilty of section 18 assault and dangerous driving.

He is also banned from driving for five years and must pass an extended driving test. 

On Thursday 15th March 2024, at 1.12pm, Cheshire Police received reports of a man who had intentionally driven his van at someone in Marlborough Road, Ellesmere Port, before then physically assaulting them.

On arrival, the male victim was located and transported to hospital for 10 hours of surgery to a broken hip, leg and ankle.

The victim was spoken to and said that he had been riding a pedal cycle when a van driver cut the corner of the junction with Sherbourne Road and Lancaster Gardens. As a result of this, the van caught the victim’s bike handle.

Christie then pulled up alongside the victim shouting, ‘do you know who I am, do you know what I’ll do to you?’ Christie continued to follow the victim, and the van hit the back wheel of the bike, causing the victim to fall off the bike and go underneath the vehicle.

After being run over, the victim dragged himself out of the road. Christie stopped the van and started assaulting the victim, telling him not to say anything to anyone about the incident, before driving away from the scene.

The vehicle involved in the attack was traced to Cheshire Oaks retail park where it was seized. This was insured to Christie, and his DNA was found on the steering wheel.

Christie was arrested two days later and answered no comment to all questions put to him.

DC Max Jones said:

“Christie purposefully used his vehicle as a weapon which has caused lasting injuries to the victim in this case. Even two years on, he cannot walk unless aided by crutches or a mobility scooter.

“Despite causing such horrific injuries, Christie then physically assaulted the victim, telling him not to tell anyone about what he had done.

“But thanks to the hard work of our officers, Christie’s van was traced and linked to him, leading to his arrest.

“This has been a lengthy court process, and we hope the conclusion of this today will help to bring the victim some closure over this ordeal.”

Pictured - John Christie of Newnham Drive in Ellesmere Port.