Trio in court after crashed car 'forced off road'

Three people have appeared in court after a man was left seriously injured when his car was allegedly forced off the road.

Prosecutors say the car hit a tree in Uppermayne in Basildon, Essex, on 10 October 2022, before a second car was driven at it after it had already crashed.

Hollie Dance, 49, of Alton Gardens, Southend-on-Sea, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent (GBH), dangerous driving and possession of a weapon for the discharge of noxious liquid, gas, electrical incapacitation or thing.

She and the two other defendants did not enter a plea at Southend Crown Court and were released on bail.

Ms Dance's son was 12-year-old Archie Battersbee, whose life support was switched off after a legal battle in 2022.

She allegedly drove a BMW dangerously on Uppermayne, Kenilworth Gardens and the A127.

The alleged victim was taken to hospital.

Thomas Summers, 25, of Alton Gardens, is charged with causing GBH with intent, criminal damage, intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either way offence, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and possessing Class B drugs.

Rhys Bentley, 23, of Norwich Avenue in Southend, is accused of causing GBH with intent.

The defendants are due to appear for another preliminary hearing in January and a trial was provisionally fixed for 29 September.

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