Two Men Behind Brutal Hit-and-Run on NHS Worker Jailed for 14 Years
NHS Worker Left Scarred for Life After Racist Attack
Two men have been locked up for a combined 14 years after deliberately running down NHS worker Katungua Tjitendero during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The savage hit-and-run in Bristol left “K-Dogg” with a broken leg, nose, and cheekbone – plus a lifelong scar.
Tjitendero was walking home from his Southmead Hospital shift, jamming to music and heading to football training, when a blue Honda Accord careered onto the pavement and struck him. One attacker shouted racist abuse as they fled the scene.
Hit-and-Run Terror Spree Exposed
Following a four-year investigation, Patrick James, 22, and Phillip Adams, 26, were convicted of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm at Bristol Crown Court. James received eight and a half years behind bars. Adams was sentenced to six years but skipped his court appearance, prompting a warrant for his arrest and efforts to extradite him from Dubai.
Police uncovered chilling footage from James’ phone showing the Honda deliberately hit another victim, cyclist Julian Ford, days before Tjitendero’s attack. Ford suffered fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after being knocked off his bike in Lawrence Weston. James filmed himself laughing before and after the assault.
Judge Slams Attackers’ “Cowardly” Racist Rampage
Judge Macmillan said: “This was a terrible thing to do to another person, let alone to celebrate it.” He added Adams “did not have the courage to come to court” for sentencing.
During the attack, Tjitendero was pinned against a wall, which partly collapsed. He was rushed for emergency treatment at Southmead Hospital – where both he and his mother work.
Family Speaks Out: “He Was Just Walking Home”
Tjitendero’s mother, Hivaka, told reporters: “My son was just walking home as he always did. Suddenly, a car deliberately veered towards him, attacking him like a weapon, leaving him seriously injured physically and mentally. He has had a long road to recovery.”
She praised her son’s strength and resilience, adding, “As a mother, I felt so helpless.” She condemned the racist abuse hurled during the attack, highlighting the impact on their family, friends, and community.
Hivaka said: “We love our lives, each other, and living in Bristol – with its diversity, art, music, humour and decency. We will continue to enjoy life here.”
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery
Detective Superintendent Mike Buck, who led the case, said: “These men showed callous disregard for their victims, who suffered serious injuries in horrendous attacks. It’s right they receive lengthy prison sentences.”
He thanked Tjitendero, Ford and their families for their patience and resilience throughout the four-year investigation.
