Drunk Driver Beats Man, Then Runs Him Over Outside Worthing Pub
A night out turned violent and dangerous at The Three Fishes pub in Worthing on October 10, 2020. Philip Forrest, 42, was warned repeatedly by staff to follow coronavirus rules but ignored mask mandates and social distancing. The carpenter from Ivydore Avenue got into a vicious fight with another man inside the pub, which spilled onto the street.
Pub Brawl Ends in Brutal Hit-and-Run
Forrest punched the 55-year-old victim in the face before fleeing on foot. Moments later, near Liverpool Gardens, a white Vauxhall Combo van mounted the kerb and struck the victim, who was walking on the opposite side of the road. The man suffered serious injuries, including a broken arm.
The van sped off, but eyewitnesses said Forrest mentioned heading to the Golden Lion pub in Durrington. Police found the van there and arrested Forrest still drinking at the bar.
Long Prison Term for Drunken Violence and Dangerous Driving
Forrest blew 69mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath—nearly double the UK legal limit of 35mcg. He was charged with driving under the influence, dangerous driving, and causing bodily harm.
On May 6, he pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to ten years and nine months in Lewes Crown Court. He must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence and is banned from driving for ten years and seven months.
Victim Stood Up—Forrest Refuses to Own Up
“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.”
Forrest claimed self-defense over the punch and blamed the victim for stepping in front of his car. Yet witnesses and CCTV footage told a different story. He also argued he hadn’t driven drunk because he’d had drinks *after* the crash, but pub staff disputed this.
Throughout, Forrest refused to accept responsibility or show remorse. He shockingly called blowing nearly double the drink-drive limit “no big deal” and boasted about previously blowing 140mcg.
