A motorist who deliberately used his car to seriously injure a pedestrian in Kings Hill has been jailed. Thomas Arnold drove his Ford Fiesta onto a pavement, striking the victim and forcing him onto the bonnet before colliding with a lamppost.
The incident, which took place on the evening of 25 June 2023, stemmed from an escalating argument between Arnold and the victim, who were known to each other. The altercation was linked to ongoing disagreements, including disputes over parking.
At around 7:40 pm, Arnold, 25, drove onto a grass verge in Park Drive and deliberately struck the victim, trapping him against a lamppost. The victim sustained multiple injuries, including two broken legs. Arnold then fled the scene, leaving the man severely injured.
The abandoned Ford Fiesta was quickly located nearby, and enquiries led officers to establish that Arnold had fled to the Isle of Sheppey. On 27 June, Arnold handed himself in at Sheerness Police Station, claiming during the interview that he was “scared” of the victim and did not intend to harm him. He insisted that his foot had slipped on the accelerator.
Arnold, of Lavender Road, East Malling, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He later pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on 1 October 2024. He has also been made subject to a restraining order.
Detective Constable Hannah Barker said: “Arnold showed no hesitation in using his car as a weapon, and his actions left his victim suffering appalling injuries. It is only by chance that the victim survived this mindless assault, though there is no doubt that the ordeal will have a profound and lasting effect.
“As well as the physical scars, this crime will likely have a significant psychological impact on the victim for the rest of their life. I only hope this sentence will provide some closure and reassurance that at least justice has now been served.”
The sentencing marks the culmination of a thorough investigation and serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of using a vehicle as a weapon.
