CPS Bungle Allows Notorious Hit-And-Run Driver To Dodge New Charge

A notorious hit-and-run driver, who crippled a young mum, has escaped justice on a charge of flouting his disqualification after a Crown Prosecution Service foul up.

Pascoe Petgrave, 24, walked free from court because no prosecution witnesses turned up for his trial and important evidence had not been served on him.

Petgrave, of Sutherland House, Gilbert Close, Woolwich had been charged with driving a Seat Ibiza, while disqualified, on Battersea Bridge Road on August 25, last year.

He was also charged with driving without insurance, but always insisted it was a case of mistaken identity and he was not behind the wheel.

Petgrave left Chanelle Higgins, 33, paralysed from the chest down and needing a wheelchair for the rest of her life when mounting the pavement in his grey BMW and mowing her down.

He was described as “callous” when sentenced in 2017 to two-and-a-half years imprisonment and was made subject to a two-year driving ban from the day of his release.

Ms Higgins needs round-the-clock care after being injured along with friend Nikisha Cox, 32, at 4.30am on May 29, 2016.

Petgrave fled the scene and was convicted after an Inner London Crown Court trial of of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where prosecutor Meena Fakhri unsuccessfully applied for the trial to be adjourned so her witnesses could give evidence against Petgrave.

The CPS had anticipated Petgrave not appearing and were going to rely on statements being read to the court to convict, but they had never been served on him, making this impossible.

Magistrate Rene DaSilva announced: “We are not prepared to grant the prosecution’s application to adjourn the trial.

“We have considered the old age of this offence, it is summary only and we look to speedy justice.”

There had been four previous listings of the case.

“The prosecution are not even in a position to proceed with the case today. In the interests of justice we refuse to adjourn,” added the magistrate.”

Ms Fakhri then announced: “The Crown have no option, but to offer no evidence in this case.”

The magistrates were never told the facts of the previous case against Petgrave and the circumstances of his disqualification.

Mr. DaSilva told Petgrave before he left the dock smiling: “The prosecution is offering no evidence in the case. This matter is withdrawn, dismissed and you are free to go.”