Jail for thug who ran over man, 88
ATHUG has been jailed after leaving an elderly man with terrible injuries following a ‘horrific’ carjacking.
Callous Ian Gibbons, 37, hit the 88-year-old with his own Ford Fiesta twice – before driving over his legs.
The pensioner said he was left in ‘excruciating’ pain.
Gibbons has now been jailed for 14 years.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard the victim was leaving Colmans OffLicence on Halifax Road in Wardle on May 2 when he noticed Gibbons in the driver’s seat of his Ford Fiesta.
The elderly man stood in front of his vehicle as Gibbons drove towards him and knocked him to
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As he got to his feet and continued to stand in front of the vehicle in a bid to prevent his car from being stolen, Gibbons reversed before driving at speed towards the victim.
He then hit the victim a second time, before driving the car over his legs.
Gibbons left the elderly man lying in the road as he drove off, before abandoning the car on Belfield Old Lane.
In a statement, the victim said: “I recall feeling totally disoriented and in excruciating pain, with a number of people around me.
“I am utterly disappointed with the actions of the male who could clearly see that I am elderly and acted with menace to steal my vehicle and drove the vehicle at, and over, me causing grievous bodily harm.
“I would like to thank the police for their support throughout this investigation and I feel relieved that Gibbons will now be behind bars and cannot hurt anyone else.”
Detective Constable Andrew Whitehill, of GMP Rochdale’s Criminal Investigation Division, added: “Gibbons’ callous and cowardly actions left an elderly man with serious and life-changing injuries.
“The victim showed incredible bravery and strength in not only fighting back against Gibbons’ actions but also to be able to survive this kind of horrific attack.
“Thankfully today Gibbons has been put behind bars and I hope today’s sentence provides a small sense of justice to the victim.”
Gibbons, 37, of Henderson Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to 14 years after pleading guilty to section 18 assault; robbery; and dangerous driving.
THREE stolen vehicles have been recovered in Rochdale and will be returned to the owners, following work by the local police team.
A Ford Fiesta, top, was recovered on Nov 27 after a PCSO noticed it looked “suspicious”. It was discovered the car had been stolen from the Wigan area over a month ago.
A stolen large white transit van, centre, was also found while two PCSOS were patrolling for suspicious vehicles.
And a tip-off from the public also saw the team head to Heywood and recover a blue Ford that was recently stolen from Cutgate Road.
All three vehicles will undergo forensic analysis before their return.