A man has been found guilty of attempted murder after a shocking incident in Wolverhampton where he deliberately used his car to strike a pedestrian twice, before his girlfriend robbed the seriously injured victim.
Violent Attack on Pope Road
The violent episode unfolded on Pope Road in The Scotlands, Wolverhampton, at around 2.20pm on July 2. Emergency services were called to what was initially reported as a potentially fatal collision. They discovered a 42-year-old man lying in the road with serious injuries.
Paramedics treated the victim for significant wounds to his legs, ribs, and shoulder before rushing him to hospital, where he continues to recover.
CCTV Reveals Deliberate Assault and Robbery
Investigations quickly determined this was no accident. CCTV evidence showed the victim had met with Melvin Winters, 46, and his girlfriend Josie James, 32, that afternoon, and an argument had ensued.
The footage revealed the victim walking away when Winters, behind the wheel of his black Vauxhall Insignia, drove at him, knocking him to the ground. Winters then circled the vehicle and, while the man was still on the ground, rammed him with the car for a second time.
As the victim lay badly injured, 32-year-old Josie James got out of the passenger seat. Instead of offering help, she approached the helpless man and stole a gold chain from him. The couple then drove off together, leaving their victim in the road.
Swift Investigation and Convictions
The abandoned Vauxhall Insignia was found in nearby Masefield Mews at around 3.05pm the same day and taken for forensic examination. Police identified and traced the pair, arresting them from separate addresses on July 5.
Despite denying the charges, both were convicted of robbery on December 18 following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Winters was also convicted of attempted murder.
Detective Constable Reece Markham, from the Major Crime Unit, condemned their actions. "Whatever the reason for the argument, using a car as a weapon to injure someone is horrendous and could have resulted in the victim losing their life," he said.
"For the passenger of the car to have seen what happened and then get out and rob the victim as he lay on the ground, without offering him any help, is appalling. Despite both of them denying the charges and refusing to take responsibility for their callous actions they have rightly been convicted of this crime."
Melvin Winters and Josie James, both from Bushbury, Wolverhampton, are due to be sentenced on February 10.
