Banned driver who deliberately mowed down man gets licence back to help with job prospects

A nightmare driver who deliberately mowed down a man and dragged him under his car has won his licence back with the help of a businessman.

Colin Brady, 44, was jailed for six years in 2003 and disqualified for 15 years following the incident which left his victim with life-long injuries.

Yesterday he was given his licence back early after businessman John Heads, the boss of Auto Recovery from Billingham, said he would help to get an HGV licence and a better future for the disqualified driver.

Mr Heads told the Teesside Crown Court hearing that Brady from Keith Road, Middlesbrough, had worked occasionally for him since his release from prison.

He told the court how he had previously helped drivers who had lost their licences for drink-driving despite it adding £400 to his insurance costs as well as a £5,000 excess.

Mr Heads, who firm is based on the Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate, Billingham, said he had known Brady for many years including before the road rage horror on 24 November 1999 in Mulgrave Road, Middlesbrough.

Giving judgment Judge Taylor said that Mr Heads accepted that it was an appalling incident and he was aware of the details.

Brady had been in an argument with a taxi driver. A passenger Christopher Wilson got out and Brady returned to the scene and ran him down, dragging him under his car for some distance before driving away.

Brady was convicted at Teesside Crown Court on 14 March 2003 of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and driving while disqualified.

The judge said that he had been concerned to see if Mr Wilson had any views on the case, but Mr Wilson died a little time ago. His injuries affected him for the rest of his life.

Brady, who has a partner and two young children, has never held a licence and he can now apply for a provisional licence before taking a driving test.

His solicitor Zoe Passfield said that Mr Heads had employed him on and off over the past two years to assist in vehicle recoveries but if he had an HGV licence he could have regular work.

Judge Taylor said: “I have to say that Mr Heads impressed me greatly. Mr Brady obviously has a good friend and supporter there.

“I am impressed by Mr Heads’ attitude in wanting to help out someone who has committed an appalling act.

“The reality is that if I deprive Mr Brady of this opportunity it might set him back further. I think the stage has now been reached where having completed two-thirds of the sentence that I allow Mr Brady the opportunity to put this behind him and he has the opportunity to benefit himself and his family and to support them.”