In a shocking incident in Maidstone, a 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting to kill two soldiers by using his car as a weapon. Anthony Deeprose intentionally ran over one of the soldiers and used the car's bonnet to attack the other soldier during a confrontation outside a local Wetherspoons pub.
The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Anthony Deeprose was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder. Additionally, he admitted to charges of dangerous driving, disqualified driving, and assault by beating. As part of his sentence, he will serve an additional three years on licence.
As the judge delivered the sentence, there was a tumultuous reaction from Deeprose's family and friends, who repeatedly expressed their displeasure, shouting, 'No-one f***** died.' The situation became so intense that Judge Philip Statman had to step down from the bench, and security guards and police officers had to escort the angered crowd away.
The incident that led to these charges occurred during an 80s fancy dress event at a pub in Maidstone on November 12, 2022. Deeprose and his friends were at the pub, as were a group of soldiers from the Invicta Park barracks in Maidstone, who were attending the event to raise funds for the Help The Heroes charity.
A confrontation unfolded at the bar, during which Deeprose punched one of the soldiers, Alex White, in the head. Despite being disqualified from driving, Deeprose then got into his car and deliberately drove it toward the soldiers, knocking over soldier Ben Walsh and grazing his colleague George Wilkie.
Deeprose then fled the scene but returned shortly after. As Mr. Wilkie attempted to help his injured friend, Deeprose revved his engine and deliberately drove over Mr. Walsh's head as he lay on the road, causing Mr. Wilkie to be thrown over the car's bonnet before Deeprose drove away.
One of the victims is still undergoing treatment due to the severe injuries sustained in the attack, and he may require vital operations on his face, with potential risks to his eyesight.
Following his arrest, Deeprose attempted to shift blame onto a female friend and behaved aggressively toward the officers. Judge Statman expressed his belief that Deeprose had formed the intent to kill as he turned the car around, characterizing it as a brief period of premeditation.
The judge also noted Deeprose's temper issues, and in addition to the 27-year prison sentence, he received a three-year driving ban, which will be enforced after serving two-thirds of his prison term.
Detective Constable Mark Butler of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate emphasized the severity of the incident, highlighting the potential for fatalities and the life-changing injuries sustained by one victim. He commended the victims, witnesses, pub staff, and friends of the victims for their support throughout the investigation and their immediate assistance to the injured men and emergency services.
Comments
Post a Comment