Derby Car Attack Suspect Appears in Court After Seven Injured in City Centre
A 36-year-old Indian man has made his first court appearance following an alleged car attack in Derby city centre that left seven pedestrians injured, some with serious but non-life-threatening wounds. Sandhu Ponnachan, of Chariot Close in Alvaston, Derby, is accused of deliberately mounting a pavement in a Suzuki Swift and ploughing into a crowd outside the Bishop Blaise pub on Friar Gate on the evening of March 28.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Ponnachan appeared before Southern Derby Magistrates' Court charged with six counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, one count of attempted GBH with intent, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article. The defendant, who has lived in Derby for several years after moving from India, showed no emotion during the brief hearing, which lasted approximately five minutes.
Dressed in a plain grey T-shirt, grey jogging bottoms, and light blue croc-type footwear, Ponnachan spoke only to confirm his personal details, including his address. There was no application for bail, and he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Derby Crown Court scheduled for April 29.
Details of the Incident and Aftermath
The incident occurred at around 9:30 PM on Saturday, March 28, when the Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement and struck pedestrians, causing what shop owners described as 'banging and screaming' from the street. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where forensic investigators were later pictured conducting their work.
Of the seven victims—four men and three women aged between 36 and 52—four have been discharged from hospital, according to police confirmations. All injuries sustained are reported as non-life-threatening, providing some relief amidst the shocking event.
Community Response and Official Statements
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred of Derbyshire Police stated, 'This incident has, naturally, sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole.' She urged anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation, while also requesting public cooperation to avoid online speculation that could impede justice.
Derbyshire City Council leader Nadine Peatfield described the crash as 'horrific' and announced that Friar Gate would be closed to vehicles over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend to reassure the public. 'We want people to feel reassured that they can continue to come out,' she added, expressing her condolences to those affected.
Claire Ward, mayor of the East Midlands, emphasised that this was a 'serious but isolated incident,' noting the potential trauma for witnesses and victims alike. She highlighted that while there were no fatalities, the repercussions of such violent acts extend beyond the immediate moment.
Prosecution and Legal Basis
Janine McKinny of the Crown Prosecution Service explained that the decision to prosecute was based on sufficient evidence and public interest, following careful collaboration with Derbyshire Police. 'Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings,' she stated.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to support the injured and investigate the full circumstances of this alarming event in Derby's city centre.
