Burglar Runs Over Amputee War Veteran with His Own Car – Guilty Man’s Shocking First Photo Revealed
A callous thief has been found guilty of manslaughter after using an amputee war veteran’s own car to fatally run him over. Errol Woodger, 38, from Abbey Wood, was convicted at the Old Bailey following a brutal robbery gone wrong.
War Vet Killed in Early Morning Horror
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of 29 December 2019 when Woodger broke into flats on Peareswood Road. Vietnam war veteran and amputee Marc Allen, 50, confronted the intruder.
Woodger grabbed Mr Allen’s car keys and tried to escape in his grey Mercedes GLA, supplied through a Motability scheme. When Mr Allen blocked his path, Woodger slammed the car into him, using it as a deadly weapon.
The victim was hurled over the bonnet and roof, suffering severe head injuries. Neighbours rushed to find him unconscious in the road. After nearly a month in a coma at King’s College Hospital, Mr Allen died on 29 January 2020.
Remembering a Brave Hero
Mr Allen, who had lost part of his right leg and used a prosthetic limb, was at home when he heard the break-in. In a rush to stop the thief, he left a trainer behind and ran out to help.
“He slid down the back of the boot and his head went bang when it hit the floor. I heard his head crack—it sent a shiver through me,”
said neighbour Linda Rumsey, recalling the horrifying moment.
Another witness, Louise Hamilton, discovered him with serious injuries to his head, chin, and arms. Tributes have since poured in describing Mr Allen as a “kind and courageous man”.
Woodger’s Shaky Defence Falls Flat
Woodger claimed he was merely a passenger and blamed a now-deceased accomplice for the driving. But forensic evidence told a different story, with his fingerprints and DNA found inside the stolen car.
After seven-and-a-half hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Woodger of manslaughter and robbery, though he was cleared of murder. Known to police with 15 past convictions, Woodger even clapped in court when acquitted of the more serious charge.
Retaliation Attack Linked to Cover-Up
Woodger told police he was hospitalised following a savage assault by eight men on the same day. However, prosecution revealed this beating happened 12 hours after the hit-and-run, likely as revenge by locals from a traveller site where Woodger had hidden the stolen car.
“They did not need or want attention. The car needed to be hidden, not paraded into the site within an hour of having just run down the owner,”
explained prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC.
Sentencing Set for June
Woodger was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for 27 June by Judge Rebecca Trowler KC.
Police continue to appeal for anyone with information on the case to come forward.
