A MAN who ran over a person who he mistakenly thought had stolen his phone in Rhyl, before driving off from the scene, has been spared jail.

Richard Marshall, 55, of Sunningdale Crescent, Bradford, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for the same time period, at Mold Crown Court today (October 9).

He had previously admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road accident, and driving without a valid licence and insurance.

Prosecuting, Jemma Gordon told the court that, on August 8, 2023, Marshall and a friend hired a car in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and drove in it to Llandudno.

While in Llandudno on August 10, Marshall (whose driving licence had been revoked on medical grounds) came across Samora Hughes, who he asked if he knew where he could obtain cocaine from.

Mr Hughes said he had a “contact” in Rhyl for this, and he, Marshall, and Marshall’s friend drove to Rhyl together that night.

While waiting for the drugs in the early hours of August 11, Marshall’s friend left the car to go to a shop, and the defendant “dozed off”.

When he awoke, Mr Hughes was gone, and Marshall noticed his phone was missing.

Thinking Mr Hughes had taken it, Marshall drove after him, and found him walking along the pavement on Vaughan Street.

Marshall drove over Mr Hughes’ legs before returning to Llandudno, while Mr Hughes remained on the road for the next 10 to 15 minutes.

He was initially taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan but was later transferred to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where he was not discharged from until August 22.

Mr Hughes had a sustained a 2x2cm triangular wound to his left lower leg, which was also grazed and fractured – his left leg bone had to be shortened by 1cm to close the wound.

Metal rods then had to be inserted into his leg to stabilise it.

He said that he now feels “anxious” when he hears cars, is still in pain and may need further surgery, and is no longer able to play football.

In mitigation for Marshall, who had 21 previous convictions for 42 offences, were his guilty pleas and his “dire physical health”.

Sentencing, Judge Nicola Jones told Marshall he had left Mr Hughes “injured and helpless, in the dark, on his own”.

His driving licence was endorsed, and she banned him from the roads for three years.

Marshall must then pass an extended retest before being allowed to drive again.