Man ploughs car into London clubbers after woman refuses to give him her number
'Pure luck' victims were not killed, police say
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A man who ploughed his car into innocent victims after a woman refused to give him her phone number outside a London nightclub has been jailed.
Police said it was “pure luck” that no one was killed when Michael Fasan drove at them in a “violent and unjustified outburst of anger”.
The 28-year-old, of Nyall Court in Gidea Park, was jailed for 12 years for attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified on Thursday.
The Old Bailey heard that in the early hours of 19 August 2018, Fasan approached a woman outside a nightclub on South Street, Romford, and asked for her number.
“The woman refused Fasan’s request and said she had a boyfriend,” a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said.
“Later on, Fasan approached the woman, who was with a male friend in Chandlers Way and continued to ask for her number. He also asked the woman’s friend if he was her boyfriend.
“Fasan’s behaviour was challenged by the man and an argument ensued between the two males.
“Fasan was heard to say ‘my name is Sparks and you’re in my ends’ moments before getting into the driver’s seat of a Ford Focus.
“He then intentionally drove the vehicle at the man, ploughing into him and another innocent woman.”
Footage of the incident that circulated on social media showed people screaming as Fasan mounted the pavement and drove in a loop, before ploughing into his victims and speeding off in the dented car.
The man sustained injuries to his back and hand, while the woman suffered cuts and bruises.
Detective Constable Jon Bounds said: “This was a violent and unjustified outburst of anger from Michael Fasan, who intentionally used the Ford Focus as a deadly weapon.
“It is through pure luck both victims in this case have not received more serious, or even fatal, injuries.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who supported this investigation and provided evidence at court, enabling Michael Fasan to be brought to justice and face the consequences of his actions.”
Police identified Fasan after reviewing the footage and CCTV, and arrested him on 22 August.
At his trial, the jury heard how Fasan referred to himself as Sparks and that his DNA was found on the steering wheel and seat adjuster of the Ford Focus.
Fasan was found guilty of attempted murder and dangerous driving at the Old Bailey in February.
He was sentenced to 12 years for attempted murder; 18 months for dangerous driving; and four months for driving whilst disqualified, all to run concurrently. Fasan was also disqualified from driving for 13 years.