Court is told of drunken revenge

A 41-year-old Shropshire man drove his car into a group of men, leaving one man with life-threatening injuries, as drunken revenge for a pub argument, a court heard today.

Roy Dietrich, of Benthall View, Madeley, Telford, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Lee Pearsall on May 23 last year. He also denies an alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm to Mr Pearsall and dangerous driving on the B4375 High Street in Broseley on the same date.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court today, Mr Gareth Walters, prosecuting, said Mr Pearsall was walking home when the incident happened. He said: "It was to take over a month before he got there. The reason for that is that this defendant drove his motor car straight into the group.

"Lee Pearsall was hit by the wing and suffered serious injuries.

"He was in intensive care for a long time. Why? What by all accounts was a relatively minor argument had taken place at the Albion Public House between this defendant and the group."

He added the defendant walked back to his parents house, picking up his car, driving past the group, turning round and deciding to get his revenge on them.

The trial continues.