Man accused of driving at crowd has 'skipped bail'

A car drove at a crowd in Luton in April, jurors were told

A man accused of attempted murder after a car was driven into a crowd has skipped bail and left the UK, a trial has heard.

Nardi Bytyci, 23, was charged after a car was "deliberately driven" into people outside the Kumba Lounge nightclub in Chapel Street, Luton, on Saturday 5 April, a prosecutor told jurors at Luton Crown Court on Thursday.

Speaking at the trial of his brother Erion Bytyci, 28, who is accused of helping him flee the UK, barrister Martyn Bowyer said Nardi Bytyci, who lived in Fanshawe Avenue, Barking, east London, had "evaded justice".

Erion Bytyci, of Manor Road, Luton, has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Mr Bowyer outlined the details of April's events as he summarised the prosecution case against Erion Bytyci.

He said the Fiat 500 was driven by Nardi Bytyci into a crowd outside the nightclub at about 03:30 BST, causing life-threatening injuries.

Erion Bytyci has gone on trial at Luton Court Court accused of perverting the course of justice

Nardi Bytyci was "detained at the scene by members of the public" until police arrived and arrested him.

Mr Bowyer said he was charged with two counts of attempted murder and driving with excess alcohol. He appeared at Luton Magistrates' Court on Monday 7 April and was granted conditional bail.

Conditions meant Nardi Bytyci had to live in Barking, report daily to a police station and hand in his Albanian passport – and other identity or travel documents – to police.

Mr Bowyer said Nardi Bytyci left the UK days after appearing before magistrates, and he said evidence indicated that Erion Bytyci had provided assistance.

"By 8:17am on Wednesday, 9 April 2025... Nardi Bytyci was in France, almost certainly having left the UK in a lorry a few hours earlier," Mr Bowyer told jurors.

"He has skipped bail and thus far evaded justice."

Mr Bowyer said Erion Bytyci had assisted Nardi Bytyci in leaving the country knowing "full well" that he was perverting the course of justice and the "proper prosecution of his younger brother".

The trial, which is being overseen by Judge Allison Hunter, continues.