Man Jailed for 21 Years After Running Down Victim in Brutal Attempted Murder Attack
Mark Whittaker, 45, with no fixed address, was locked up for 21 years after being found guilty of attempted murder at Reading Crown Court. The chilling attack unfolded early morning on Friday 12 October 2018, when Whittaker drove all the way from portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth to Reading with one grim purpose – to hurt his victim, Darren Fordred.
Deliberate Hit-and-Run on Pavement
At 5.20am, Whittaker waited on Northumberland Avenue. When 38-year-old Mr Fordred cycled past, Whittaker deliberately mounted the pavement and struck him at over 30mph. The impact hurled Fordred onto the car’s windscreen before smashing him through metal railings. The brutal collision left Fordred badly injured with deep leg wounds and compound fractures to both femurs.
Attack Didn’t End With the Crash
Once his car stopped, Whittaker didn’t stop there – he viciously attacked Fordred, kicking, punching, stamping on, and even trying to strangle him. Police later found threatening texts sent by Whittaker, indicating premeditation. Upon arrest, Whittaker openly admitted it was a deliberate attack.
Victim Left with Permanent Damage
- Both legs broken and required surgery
- Skin grafts needed due to deep wounds
- Permanent scarring from the ordeal
Detective Constable Peter Cave from Reading CID said, “Whittaker’s actions will impact Mr Fordred for life. This was a horrific, totally unnecessary and calculated attack. Whittaker had time to stop but chose violence instead – driving all the way from Portsmouth to carry out this vicious crime.”
Despite the severity, Whittaker showed no remorse after the jury unanimously convicted him on 29 March following a five-day trial. Today, Reading Crown Court sentenced him to 21 years behind bars plus an additional three years on licence.
Detective Cave added, “I hope this sentence brings some closure to Mr Fordred and his family. Whittaker will now spend a long time reflecting on the reckless and violent decision he made that morning.”
