Royal Marine drove ‘with force’ into partner sending her flying through the air
A Royal Marine who drove at speed into his partner, catapulting her through the air following an argument has been sentenced to prison.
Thomas Higgins, 40, drove at speed into his now wife Tammy Higgins on May 7 in Redruth[1], after a disagreement in which she kicked and hit his car in what was described in court as a "serious offence that nobody could dispute".
Higgins, of Lydcot Walk in Plymouth, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm by a jury at a trial held in Truro[2] Crown Court in January. He had previously pleaded guilty to a second charge of dangerous driving and appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentencing today (March 20).
The court heard how the incident was captured on CCTV which showed Mr Higgins involved in a brief argument with the victim who was outside of the vehicle in Bond Street at the time.
Tammy was then described to "hit and kick" the vehicle before walking around it, to which Higgins responded by deliberately driving into her path, running her over.
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Despite being sent 10 to 12 feet in the air, following the collision Mrs Higgins suffered no major injuries and was seen limping away by a witness. Prosecuting the case, Piers Norsworthy said the assault could have caused serious injury, broken bones and ultimately, death.
The court also heard that the couple had spent significant time working on their relationship and that any prison sentence would have a huge impact on Mrs Higgins' life. A pre-sentence report said Mr Higgins played a "huge role" in the family unit with regards to their children and in helping Mrs Higgins cope and manage daily life.
"It is very clear that this is a family who have worked through any issues that may have been there and are moving forward in a very positive and good way for the future."
Sentencing Higgins, Judge Peter Johnson said: "This is a sad sentencing exercise upon a 40-year-old man, a member of the Royal Marines, who has been serving for a number of years and is spoken of highly by the two Royal Marines officers who have given references for you. You are a man of good character."
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He said, however, the offences were too serious to consider anything less than a custodial prison sentence and that it was clear that his now wife was in full view of him when he drove into her "at force".
"She was crossing the road at a junction when you revved your engine and set off, going over the pavement and then striking her with some force, causing her to fly through the air a distance of around 10 or 12 feet," Judge Johnson said.
"Mercifully, while this caused a dent on the bonnet of your car it didn't cause Tammy any damage and she was described as hobbling off by the eyewitness." He said Higgins then made an effort to help Tammy, but it was "quite clear" he never made an effort to brake the car before causing the collision.
"Understandably on what appeared to be clear evidence to all who saw that trial, the jury convicted you of attempting to cause her really serious bodily harm with intent," he added. Higgins was sentenced to three years imprisonment, which the judge remarked was the minimum possible sentence he could offer in the circumstances.
References
- ^ Redruth (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Truro (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Lonely pervert sought solace in 'bizarre' vile images of children (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ A30 crash sees two people released from overturned van by firefighters (www.cornwalllive.com)
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