On the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2020, Philip Forrest was drinking at The Three Fishes in Chapel Road, Worthing, when the incident occurred.
Staff had to remind him on several occasions to follow coronavirus regulations. This included not wearing a mask and approaching other customers too closely.
During the evening, he got into a fight with another man in the pub, which spilled out onto the street.
The 42-year-old carpenter from Ivydore Avenue in Worthing punched the 55-year-old victim in the face before fleeing on foot.
Soon after, the victim was walking on the opposite side of the road, near the Liverpool Gardens intersection, when a white Vauxhall Combo van came around the corner, mounted the kerb, and struck him.
As a result, he fell to the floor, sustaining serious injuries, including a broken arm.
The van did not stop, but witnesses said the suspect from the previous assault mentioned going to the Golden Lion pub in The Strand, Durrington.
Police discovered the same vehicle here, and Forrest was discovered drinking at the bar.
He was later arrested on suspicion of driving with 69mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system (the legal limit is 35mcg), dangerous driving, and causing bodily harm.
On May 6, he pleaded guilty to all three charges and was sentenced to ten years and nine months in prison at Lewes Crown Court. He is required to complete at least two-thirds of his sentence.
He was also barred from driving for a period of ten years and seven months.
“The victim in this case had stood up for another group who took offence to Forrest’s lack of respect for social distancing restrictions in the pub,” said investigating officer Lucy Hailes. Soon after, he was assaulted outside the pub and then intentionally run over by him, resulting in serious injuries.
“These were the actions of a mindless and dangerous criminal who consciously got behind the wheel of his vehicle while well over the legal drink-drive limit.”
During an interview with police, Forrest claimed he punched the victim in self-defense and claimed the man stepped in front of his vehicle, causing the collision.” Neither the witnesses nor the CCTV footage supported his story. He also stated that he had several drinks at the Golden Lion prior to his arrest, implying that he had not driven while intoxicated. However, his story was not supported by the staff who served him.
Throughout, Forrest has refused to accept responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse.” He was even dismissive of the dangers of drunk driving, claiming that blowing 69mcg was “no big deal” and that he had previously blown 140mcg.
