A heavy goods vehicle driver who deliberately ploughed into his factory boss during a furious safety dispute has walked free from court with a suspended sentence in a case that has raised eyebrows across the UK.
Paul Statham, 58, snapped during a confrontation over safety procedures at the Sheffield factory where both men worked. The court heard how Statham's white Ford Ranger mounted a grass verge and struck operations manager Andrew Mettrick in a deliberate act of violence.
The Confrontation That Sparked the Attack
The incident unfolded after Mr Mettrick challenged Statham about taking photographs of number plates in the factory yard. What began as a professional disagreement about safety protocols quickly escalated into a heated argument that would have violent consequences.
Sheffield Crown Court was told that after the verbal confrontation, Statham returned to his vehicle and deliberately drove toward Mr Mettrick, mounting the kerb and striking the operations manager with his car.
Serious Injuries and Lasting Impact
The attack left Mr Mettrick with significant injuries that continue to affect his daily life. The court heard how the victim suffered a broken leg and severe bruising in the incident, with recovery proving to be a lengthy and challenging process.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Mettrick described how the incident has left him feeling "constantly on edge" and has significantly impacted both his professional and personal life.
Judge's Reasoning Behind Suspended Sentence
Despite the serious nature of the offence, Judge Sarah Wright decided against an immediate prison term. She cited several factors in her sentencing decision, including Statham's previous good character and his prompt guilty plea to charges of dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The judge noted that while the attack was "extremely dangerous and could have had far more serious consequences," she believed rehabilitation was possible within the community.
Terms of the Suspended Sentence
Statham received a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with several other penalties:
- 200 hours of unpaid community work
- 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement
- 12-month driving ban
- Extended retest requirement before he can legally drive again
The sentencing has sparked debate about workplace safety and the appropriate punishment for violence in employment settings, particularly when disputes over safety procedures escalate into physical confrontations.
