Royal Marine drove into wife ‘at force’ after row

A ROYAL Marine who drove his car at his partner following an argument, catapulting her into the air, has been jailed for three years.

In what was described in court as “a serious offence that nobody could dispute” Thomas Higgins, 40, drove at his now-wife Tammy on May 7 in Redruth, after an altercation in which she kicked and hit his car.

Higgins, of Lydcot Walk in Plymouth, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm by a jury following a trial held in Truro Crown Court in January.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a second charge of dangerous driving, and appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentencing on March 20.

The court heard the incident, in Bond Street, was captured on CCTV.

This showed Higgins, behind the wheel, arguing briefly with his wife, who was not in the car.

Mrs Higgins was then seen to hit and kick the car before walking around it.

Higgins responded by deliberately driving at her.

Despite being thrown 10ft to 12ft in the air Mrs Higgins suffered no major injuries, the court heard, and was seen limping away by a witness.

However, Piers Norsworthy for the prosecution, said the assault could have caused serious injury, broken bones or even death.

The court heard the couple had spent a significant time working on their relationship and a prison sentence would have a huge impact on Mrs Higgins’ life.

A pre-sentence report said her husband played a “huge role” in the family with regard to caring for their children and helping his wife cope with the demands of daily life: “It is very clear that this is a family who have worked through any issues that may have been there and are moving forward in a very positive and good way for the future”.

Passing sentence, Judge Peter Johnson told Higgins: “This is a sad sentencing exercise upon a 40-yearold man, a member of the Royal Marines, who has been serving for a number of years and is spoken of highly by the two Royal Marines officers who have given references for you. You are a man of good character.” However, the offences were too serious to consider anything less than a custodial sentence, and it was clear Mrs Higgins was clearly visible when he drove into her “at force.

“On what appeared to be clear evidence to all who saw that trial, the jury convicted you of attempting to cause her really serious bodily harm with intent,” he said.

Higgins was sentenced to three years in prison, which the judge said was the minimum possible sentence he could impose.