Derby Car Ramming Suspect Makes First Court Appearance
The man accused of deliberately driving into a group of people outside a Derby pub has been pictured for the first time following his initial court hearing. Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday facing multiple serious charges related to the weekend incident that left seven people injured.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The incident occurred around 9:30 PM on Saturday outside the Bishop Blaise pub in Friar Gate, Derby. According to police reports, a black Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement and struck a group of people, resulting in injuries to four men and three women aged between 36 and 52. Some victims sustained serious injuries, though four have since been discharged from hospital.
Derbyshire Police arrested Ponnachan just seven minutes after the incident. The suspect, originally from India but now residing in Alvaston, Derby, showed no emotion during his court appearance. He wore glasses, a plain grey T-shirt, grey jogging bottoms, and light blue croc-type footwear during the brief hearing.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Ponnachan faces multiple charges including:
- Dangerous driving
- Six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent
- One count of attempted grievous bodily harm
- One count of possession of a bladed article
During the approximately five-minute hearing, District Judge Jonathan Taaffe addressed Ponnachan directly, stating: "You face a number of charges from an incident on March 28th. It's said that upon that date you drove dangerously and that you committed acts that have unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to a number of people."
The judge emphasized that due to the serious nature of the charges, the case must be heard at crown court. Ponnachan spoke only to confirm his personal details and address during the proceeding.
Remand and Future Court Date
There was no application for bail during the hearing, and Ponnachan was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Derby Crown Court on April 29 for further proceedings. The case continues to develop as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.
The incident has drawn significant attention in the Derby community, with local residents expressing concern about public safety following the violent episode outside the popular pub location. Police continue their investigation into the matter while the judicial process moves forward.
