Following a physical altercation outside Billericay railway station, Essex at approximately 1.00am a Ford Fiesta crashed into the victim, who still suffers from his injuries to this day.
The car, which had been taken from its owner a week before and had false plates, was driven by Joshua Littlechild, 25, (pic. right), encouraged by his accomplice Joshua Lloyd, 28, (pic. left).
Both were convicted at Basildon Crown Court of attempted murder after an investigation by British Transport Police.
Littlechild, of Delphian Way, Bishop's Stortford, had already pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and aggravated vehicle-taking.
Lloyd, of Oak Green, Billericay also pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle-taking.
Both will be disqualified from driving for twelve months on the day of their eventual release.
They each also received twelve months imprisonment for the aggravated vehicle-taking charge, which will be served concurrently.
Lloyd alone will also serve another twelve months imprisonment concurrently for a charge of cultivating cannabis.
The court heard that on March 18, last year the victim and his friends were heading to the taxi rank outside Billericay railway station after a night out when the victim became involved in an altercation with Littlechild and Lloyd.
Lloyd claimed the victim was the initial aggressor and punched him, causing him to react in fear and panic.
The two groups split, with the victim and his friends walking back towards the station to get a taxi as planned.
While waiting at the taxi rank, a white Ford Fiesta driven by Littlechild drove at pace towards the group, hitting the victim and driving off.
The targeted man's head smashed the windscreen with force and the pair fled the scene.
The victim was left with a critical brain injury and required multiple surgeries to repair the damage.
He suffers from severe headaches, struggles to remain balance and has severe cognitive issues.
He has no short-term memory and struggles to recognise his newborn baby.
He requires constant supervision, which has had a huge strain on his family.
The car was located a short distance from Lloyd’s address and text messages were found on his phone, from Littlechild, warning that police had located the vehicle.
Lloyd was arrested at his home address on March 18 and Littlechild was arrested three days later in the Newcastle area.
Upon arrest he was found with a suitcase and his passport.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “This was a cowardly attack whereby the two suspects used a motor car to attempt to kill the victim.
“The victim attempted to get out of the way of the car, but had no room to escape.
“The defendants have shown no remorse and the victim has suffered life changing injuries.
“This is a sad case whereby a minor scuffle has dramatically changed the lives of all involved.
“I am extremely pleased with the result in this case.
“Lloyd and Littlechild acted with extreme cowardice and malice and in attempting to kill someone over a such a minor disagreement they highlighted the danger they posed to the public.
“The victim suffered life changing injuries and I hope that the sentence handed down can provide the victim and their family some closure.
“I would like to thank all the officers who worked relentlessly on the investigation and who helped gather the evidence that made it possible to secure today's sentence.”
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