Driver ran down man and girl, 5, after altercation

Neil Hutton caused a "terrifying incident", police said

A driver who intentionally knocked down a man and his five-year-old daughter on a zebra crossing has been jailed for four and a half years.

Neil Hutton, 51, of Farnborough, Hampshire, was involved in an altercation with the man in a car park shortly before the incident on 3 October last year, Winchester Crown Court heard.

He reversed and hit the man a second time before fleeing the scene in Hawthorn Road, police said. The man was unhurt and the girl suffered cuts and bruises.

Hutton pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, attempting to cause actual bodily harm and dangerous driving.

The man and his five-year-old daughter were knocked down in Hawthorn Road

Hutton previously almost hit the pair as they were walking in Princes Mead retail park, police said.

The 39-year-old man shouted at the defendant, who drove off.

Moments later, the man was crossing the road with his two daughters when Hutton's Citroen C3 drove at them, detectives said.

The man was thrown on to the bonnet and the five-year-old was knocked off her bicycle, police added.

Hutton then reversed and hit the man again. He was later traced by police and charged.

Det Con Luke Kedge said: “This was a terrifying incident for a father and his two children, who were just out going about their daily lives.

“My thoughts remain with the family and I thank them for their bravery for coming forward to give evidence."

Hutton, of Cheyne Way, was banned from driving for four years and 10 months after his release from prison.