Van driver jailed after deliberately swerving into teenager

A van driver has been jailed after deliberately swerving into a 17-year-old who he believed had stolen his son's motorbike.

John Gant (pictured) drove into the teenage victim as he rode an electric bike in Ladybrook Lane, Mansfield.

The impact caused the victim to fall to the floor and fracture his ankle.

After swerving into the teenager, Gant picked up the victim’s e-bike and put it in the van before driving off.

Minutes after the incident, Gant spoke to police over the phone about his son’s stolen motorbike – adding that he’d “knocked” someone off an e-bike who he believed had been involved.

The victim also called police to report what had happened to him. Officers then attended Gant’s address and arrested him.

Nottingham Crown Court heard there was no evidence to suggest the teenage victim was involved in the theft of the motorcycle belonging to Gant's son. 

Gant, aged 39, of Brick Kiln Lane, Mansfield, went on to plead guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving in relation to the incident, which happened on 24 September 2022.

He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (4 April 2024) where he was jailed for 21 months and given a two-year driving ban.

The judge also imposed a five-year restraining order that prohibits him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.

Detective Constable Amelia Hicklin, who led the investigation, said:

“By deciding to take the law into his own hands, Gant seriously injured an innocent person.

“His actions were despicable and I am pleased he has now been brought to justice.

“Although the incident happened two years ago, the victim’s injury still affects him physically and he is unable to carry out as many sporting activities as he used to.

“This unprovoked crime has had a profound effect on him and I hope he can draw some comfort from this outcome at court.”