Garry Oates, 66, was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was also fined £3,000 and disqualified from driving for two years, with a requirement for an extended retest.

The incident occurred on June 26, 2021, when Oates was told by traffic marshal Mark Patterson that he was not permitted to drive up a track to the car boot sale near Sandown Airport. According to the prosecution, Oates drove his Mercedes at Mr. Patterson, striking him. Mr. Patterson sustained serious injuries, requiring six days in hospital and leading to significant mental health problems, including attempts to end his life.

During the court proceedings, Oates denied having touched Mr. Patterson, despite the victim losing several teeth. He was convicted of the charges at trial. Oates, who referred to himself as 'Captain', has claimed that justice has not been done and that the truth was withheld from the court.

Mr. Patterson's victim impact statement detailed the severe psychological distress he suffered, stating he has had to call the crisis team on multiple occasions and has attempted suicide. He also noted the financial strain, as he has been unable to work as a traffic manager since the incident and no longer feels safe leaving his home. He expressed feeling intimidated by Oates, who he believes has attempted to provoke him.

Oates has a history of convictions, including battery in 2009 and 2020, and threatening words and behaviour in 2022. The court noted that his actions were aggravated by his previous offending and Mr. Patterson's status as a pedestrian, described as a vulnerable person.

Oates and his father founded the Blue Seas Protection charity in the 1980s. The charity's website claims that Oates' father donated a ship to Greenpeace that became The Rainbow Warrior, which was later destroyed by French agents. However, sources dispute this origin story for the vessel.

In sentencing, Judge David Melville KC cited Oates's arrogance and refusal to accept responsibility for his actions. The judge also took into account that Oates is the primary carer for his partner and is not a well man, which influenced the decision to suspend the prison sentence. Oates has indicated he plans to appeal his conviction.