Career Criminal Jailed for Six Years After Running Over Shopkeeper Days After Release
Darrell Lambert, 40, admitted to grievous bodily harm and burglary after the incident, which occurred just four days after his release from prison.
A career criminal has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after he drove over a shopkeeper twice during a burglary, an offense committed just four days after his release from a previous jail term. Darrell Lambert, 40, admitted to two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and burglary.
Lambert and two accomplices broke into a Spar store, stealing items including vapes, cigarettes, and alcohol. The owners, Vejay and Uluben Odedra, who live next door, emerged from their home. Mrs. Odedra attempted to stop the fleeing vehicle by hitting its bonnet with a mop. Lambert then reversed over her, and drove over her again as he sped away. Mr. Odedra had grabbed the car door handle and held on before letting go as the car fled.
Recorder Jeremy Benson described Lambert as "dangerous," noting his release from prison on July 26, with the offenses occurring on July 30. Court documents indicate Lambert has a history of 169 convictions, primarily for motoring offenses and burglaries dating back to at least 2008.
Despite the judge's assertion that serious injury was not caused to the victims, Mr. Odedra stated that he and his wife were still recovering. Mrs. Odedra sustained numerous bruises and a hematoma on her leg, while Mr. Odedra is experiencing wrist pain. Mr. Odedra criticized early release schemes, advocating for serious offenders to serve their full sentences.
Lambert had served approximately 19 months of a 34-month sentence for offenses including actual bodily harm and driving while disqualified before his recent release. His criminal record includes a prior sentence for dangerous driving and multiple driving while disqualified offenses. He also has past convictions for vehicle theft, driving under the influence, and shoplifting. In 2020, he received a four-year sentence for two burglaries and a police pursuit.
Jake Laurie, 33, an accomplice in the Spar store burglary, was sentenced to three years for his role, including burglary. A police source described Lambert as "a career criminal."