Two men who appeared at Basildon Crown Court have been found guilty of attempted murder following an altercation outside Billericay railway station. The guilty verdict was handed down on Monday 22 January.
An investigation by British Transport Police (BTP) found that Joshua Littlechild, 25, of Delphian Way, Bishop's Stortford and Joshua Lloyd, 28, of Oak Green, Billericay, had attempted to run over a man by driving a stolen car which was using false numberplates.
The incident took place on 18 March 2023, just after 01:00. The court heard that the victim and his friends were heading to the taxi rank at Billericay railway station, following a night out. The victim became involved in an altercation with Littlechild and Lloyd, after which the two groups split with the victim and his friends continuing to head for the taxi rank.
Littlechild had previously pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and aggravated taking without consent. Lloyd had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated taking without consent. Moments later, while waiting at the taxi rank, a white Ford Fiesta which was being driven by Littlechild, drove at some speed towards the group and collided with the victim. Littlechild, along with his accomplice, then drove off.
As a result, the victim received a critical brain injury which required multiple surgeries to repair the damage. He now suffers from severe headaches, has difficulty in retaining his balance and has considerable cognitive issues. His short-term memory is non-existent and he struggles to recognise his new-born baby. His family is also under considerable strain, as he requires constant supervision.
The BTP investigation revealed the the car had been stolen a week previously and was found a short distance from Lloyd's address. Text messages from Littlechild were found on Lloyd's phone saying that the police had located the car. Lloyd was arrested at his home address on 18 March. Littlechild was arrested in the Newcastle area three days later, with police discovering that he has a suitcase and passport in his possession.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “This was a cowardly attack whereby the two suspects used a motor car to attempt to kill to the victim. The victim attempted to get out of the way of the car but had no room to escape. The defendants have shown no remorse and the victim has suffered life changing injuries. This is a sad case whereby a minor scuffle has dramatically changed the lives of all involved.
“My team of dedicated officers worked tirelessly, under the skilled leadership of DCI Painter, to obtain all possible evidence to ensure a conviction. I would also like to thank the uniform officers both BTP and Essex Police, and emergency services colleagues, who attended what was an extremely traumatic scene. I hope this result goes some way to providing the victim and his family closure so that they can begin moving on with their lives.”
