Nine years for man who rammed motorbike in gang-related attack

A MAN has been jailed for nine years after ramming two teenagers off the motorbike they were riding in a gang-related attack.

Thomas Patrice, 35, of Epsom Grove, Halifax, deliberately drove into the back of the motorbike in Norwood Road, Huddersfield, on May 24, 2019.

Harrison Coates, 19, of Burbeary

Road, Lockwood, Huddersfield, and a 15-year-old youth, were lucky not to be seriously injured.

They had been carrying a gun and ammunition, which they dropped when Patrice rammed into them.

Patrice was jailed for nine years at Leeds Crown Court after being found guilty of dangerous driving and attempted section 18 grievous bodily harm offences.

Coates was sentenced to five years in custody for possession of a firearm in March 2020, while the 15-year-old was given a youth referral order.

Kirklees Police have now warned of the dangers of becoming involved in gang crime.

The sentencing follows on from a number of months of activity by West Yorkshire Police to combat gang-related crime in Kirklees with partner agencies.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Jim Griffiths, of Kirklees CID, said: “I welcome the sentencing of Patrice for the offences committed on these males on Norwood Road on that day in May.

“Coates and the 15-year-old youth were very lucky not to have been seriously injured if not killed following the attack on them by Patrice. Deliberately ramming the two males with a car was an outrageous act and we are very pleased he has been jailed.”

He added: “This case as a whole reflects the huge danger of becoming involved in criminal gang-related activity. Being part of an organised criminal gang very much makes you a target for rivals and could result in you being put at serious risk of harm, as seen here.

“We have been working very hard with our partners to understand and tackle this kind of offending in the district and are seeing people responsible for these offences put before the courts. Work has also been ongoing in schools and through engagement with young people to identify where friends or family may have been exploited into becoming involved in gangs.

“There is help available wherever this may become an issue and anyone with any information should contact the police or other partner agency.”