Man jailed for driving into pedestrians

A 33-year-old man who deliberately drove his car into a group of pedestrians has been jailed for four years and four months.

Rhys Evan Mercer, of Doris Road in Kettering, used his white Land Rover Defender as a weapon in the early hours of 16 April 2023, targeting seven people on Bath Road in the Northamptonshire town following an earlier altercation.

One man in his 40s suffered severe injuries, including multiple rib fractures, brain hematomas, lung damage, and the permanent loss of his sense of smell.

Four others sustained injuries ranging from fractures to cuts and bruises.

Immediately after the incident, Mercer called 999 to report his actions.

He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm at Northampton Crown Court.

Det Con Amie Watson, of Northamptonshire Police and who led the investigation, said: "This was a terrifying experience for the victims of this attack.

"I hope the sentencing of Rhys Mercer provides them with some closure and an ability to move forward and continue with both their physical and mental recoveries.

"I hope Rhys Mercer spends his time in prison reflecting on his actions and chooses to make wiser decisions when he is released."

Last month, Mercer was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.