Man 'used van as weapon' and drove at pedestrians

Frankie Bromley fled the scene after driving a hired van into his victims

A man who drove a van at a group of people before fleeing the crash scene has been jailed for six years.

Frankie Bromley, 24, stuck two people in his hired Transit van, dragging one man about 30m under the vehicle along Breck Road in Poulton-le-Fylde in February, Lancashire Police said.

Bromley narrowly missed his intended target before going on to hit the other man, causing him life-changing injuries. His second victim suffered minor injuries.

Preston Crown Court heard Bromley then drove away from the scene, weaving through Poulton's streets before abandoning the van at Skipool car park.

Witnesses thanked

Bromley, of West End in Great Eccleston, Preston, was also banned from driving for nine years and handed a lifetime restraining order not to enter the Breck Road area of Poulton.

He admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, attempting to cause serious injury by dangerous driving, and dangerous driving.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: "This incident has had a huge impact on me physically.

"My lungs are permanently damaged as a result of the van being driven at me. My ribs are very fragile which has meant that I can't play football anymore in case I get knocked into."

Detective Constable Rachael Gregory said: "Bromley used the hired van as a weapon that night, which led to a young man, who was innocently going about his night out, being significantly injured.

"I know this incident caused a lot of concern in the community at the time, so it was important that we bring you such a significant update."

She thanked witnesses who came forward to help police with their investigation.

"We asked the community for their help at the time of the incident, and we know that various members of the public came forward with information and footage that ultimately helped us bring Bromley to justice."