A vigilante has been jailed after using a flatbed truck to deliberately ram a stolen quad bike, leaving a 16-year-old rider with multiple fractures to his skull, face and thigh. Declan Fahey, 27, of Windsor Court, Croxdale, County Durham, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
The Incident
On March 5 last year, Fahey was informed that a friend's quad bike had been stolen in the early hours. He and others went out searching for it. Shortly before 1pm on Redworth Road, Shildon, Fahey spotted the quad bike being ridden by several people without helmets, including the teenage victim. In a moment of anger, he pursued the quad and intentionally drove his Mazda flatbed truck into it, intending to cause serious harm.
Recorder Richard Herrmann, sentencing Fahey, described the incident: 'Your vehicle lurched forward and as it accelerated forward you began your pursuit of the quad bike. I've seen the footage a number of times. In short, you pursued that quad bike, caught up with it and you then intentionally drove your large, heavy vehicle into collision with the quad bike.'
The collision sent the riders 'flying through the air,' as seen in graphic footage. Fahey did not stop to assist and drove off from the scene, showing callous disregard for the riders.
Aftermath and Court Proceedings
The teenage victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, suffered multiple fractures to his skull, face and thigh, as well as possible bruising to his lung. However, he did not participate in the case, so no update on his condition was provided.
During police interview, Fahey did not take responsibility for causing the injuries and said, 'It's his own fault.' At trial, he denied intending to collide with the quad bike, claiming he would not have wanted to damage his friend's quad. However, the jury convicted him of GBH with intent.
Recorder Herrmann concluded that Fahey believed those on the quad were responsible for the theft, making them 'fair game,' and that he took the law into his own hands in a premeditated, revenge-driven vigilante attack.
Sentencing
Fahey, who has no previous convictions, was jailed for 42 months and banned from driving for 57 months. He was described in court as a usually law-abiding 'good man' who had always worked hard and was well-regarded in references.
Chris Morrison, defending, said the attack was 'based on a chance sighting' and that Fahey reported the incident to police. He added that the incident was out of character and that Fahey had 'felt the clang of the gates' after being remanded in custody, losing three-and-a-half stone since his conviction.
