Ipswich Man Jailed for 18 Years After Deliberately Mowing Down Pedestrians
Hit-and-Run Horror After Pub Row
Thomas Broughton, 32, from Ipswich, has been slammed with an 18-year prison sentence for driving his car into a group of pedestrians following a drunken scrap outside a local pub. The terrifying attack happened just after midnight on March 8 in St Helens Street, Ipswich Crown Court was told on Tuesday, 17 November.
Broughton, of Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, was convicted of wounding with intent and dangerous driving after a gruelling week-long trial in September. He will serve at least 12 years behind bars before the rest of his sentence runs on licence.
Deliberate Drive at Victims on Pavement
The shocking incident unfolded shortly after a fight outside the Waterlily Public House on St Helens Street, where Broughton clashed with a group of six men. Following the scuffle, he returned to his black Audi A3, drove around the corner to Regent Street, then mounted the pavement and ploughed into the pedestrians near Elmy Cycles shop.
Three men were hit. Two were seriously injured, including a man in his 40s who suffered life-threatening head and brain injuries. He spent five months in a rehab centre and still struggles to walk unaided.
The second victim recovered after several days in hospital. The third escaped with minor injuries not requiring medical treatment.
Conviction Details and Sentencing
- 18 years for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Two concurrent 10-year sentences for attempted wounding
- 2 years for dangerous driving, served concurrently with a four-year driving ban plus a 12-year uplift — effectively banned until passing a test 16 years later
Broughton was cleared of three attempted murder charges but found guilty of deliberately trying to cause serious harm.
He called police just over an hour after the attack to hand himself in and was arrested at the scene shortly after 1.30am.
Police Slam ‘Mindless’ Attack
“There is no doubt in my mind that Thomas Broughton mounted the pavement intentionally and with the clear intent to cause harm,” said Detective Superintendent David Henderson.
“This was an extremely mindless and dangerous act over a minor pub spat sparked by an insult. One man has been left with very severe injuries affecting his mobility and memory.”
“The sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and his stubborn denial. I hope he reflects on the devastating impact he has had on others’ lives.”
