Derby man charged with driving into seven pedestrians

A 36-year-old man from Derby appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with deliberately driving a car into a group of pedestrians in the city's Friar Gate area, injuring seven people outside a pub late on Saturday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on March 28 near the Bishop Blaise pub, a busy nighttime spot in central Derby. Sandhu Ponnachan, originally from India and a resident of Chariot Close in Alvaston, allegedly drove a black Suzuki Swift onto the pavement, striking four men and three women aged 36 to 52. Police described the victims' injuries as serious but not life-threatening. All seven were taken to the hospital, where four have since been discharged, while the remaining three continue to receive treatment.

Ponnachan faces six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article. According to court proceedings, he accepted being the driver of the vehicle and had driven from his home into the city center before the collision. Prosecutor Seema Mistry told the court that the prosecution's case is that Ponnachan deliberately used the car as...