Driver jailed for mowing down stranger and launching 'brutal' crowbar attack

A driver who mowed down a stranger at a petrol station before trying to batter him with a crowbar has been jailed for four years.

Aqeel Ahmed, 24, launched the ‘senseless and brutal’ attack after rowing with his victim in the garage’s car park in Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester. The city’s crown court heard he met the man to sell him some cannabis before a scuffle broke out.

Shocking CCTV footage captures the moments after he jumped back into his VW Touran and sped back onto the forecourt, smashing straight into the man who flew from his bonnet into a car parked nearby.

Ahmed can then be seen to leap back out and try to stamp on his victim’s head three times while he lies unconscious on the floor. The driver of the parked car can be seen trying to drag Ahmed away but managed to break free and land several blows with a crowbar.

Police said the victim may not have survived the ‘unrelenting’ onslaught if it were not for the brave actions of the other motorist as well as members of the public who swiftly raised the alarm.

Ahmed, from Bolton, was arrested at the scene on February 25 and his victim was treated in hospital for cuts to his scalp.

He was sentenced on Thursday at Manchester Crown Court after admitting to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink-driving, Greater Manchester Police said.

Detective Constable Terry Macmillan said: ‘This was an unrelenting attack on a man who Ahmed didn’t even know, that could have caused life threatening injuries.

‘If it wasn’t for the bravery of the man who restrained Ahmed and other members of the public who quickly called police, his victim may not have survived.

‘I would like to thank them for their quick-thinking actions that day.

‘Ahmed’s attack was senseless and brutal but thankfully CCTV footage of the events leading up to and after the assault has significantly helped to put this violent man behind bars.’

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