An angry driver who tried to run over two men after losing a fight but instead struck an innocent bystander has avoided prison. Steven Ruddick, 38, from North Shields, was left battered and bruised after a physical altercation in Wallsend. He then got into his car and deliberately drove at the two men, but they moved out of the way, and he hit a blameless man who was enjoying a night out with friends.
The Incident
On August 4, 2023, Ruddick was socialising at the Ship Inn pub in Wallsend when he became involved in a dispute with two men. After leaving the pub, the argument turned physical, and Ruddick came off worst. He then got into his car, turned around, and drove towards the men. They evaded the vehicle, but it struck a completely innocent man walking behind them, who had no involvement in the dispute and was unaware of it.
Victim's Injuries
The victim, a carer, suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula, requiring surgery. He spent a week in hospital and was off work for an extended period, relying on statutory sick pay. In a victim impact statement, he said the incident left him angry and worsened his depression. He added: "I was minding my own business enjoying a night out with friends, drinking outside a town centre pub in what I believed was a safe environment. Out of nowhere, me and my friend were struck at high speed by a vehicle from behind."
Legal Proceedings
Ruddick was originally charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving, but prosecutors accepted his guilty plea to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He also admitted assaulting two police officers in September 2024, headbutting one and spitting at another after his family reported he was "in crisis." At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tom Moran noted that Ruddick's sister was murdered when he was 14, contributing to his post-traumatic stress disorder and his overreaction, particularly regarding a perceived threat to his son.
Judge Moran said: "Using a car as a weapon and causing serious injury will almost always demand immediate imprisonment." However, he deemed this an "exceptional case" due to the three-year lapse, Ruddick's time on remand (over six months), and his stabilised mental health. Ruddick was sentenced to 30 months suspended for two years and banned from driving for three years.
Defence barrister Shaun Routledge argued that Ruddick did not intend to cause injury but was frightened for his personal safety after suffering two black eyes, cuts, bruises, and grazes in the fight. He said: "He overreacted. It was a ridiculous thing to do, but he didn't intend any harm."
