Scott Simmonds, 49, has been jailed for three years and four months after admitting dangerous driving, drink-driving, and failing to stop. The incident occurred on April 23, 2022, when Simmonds, after being ejected from the Station House pub in Tonbridge for throwing a glass, drove his car and intentionally struck Joe Neal, who was on the pavement.
Simmonds was reportedly seeking revenge for being 'barged' by Neal on the dance floor. He later admitted to police, "I got the hump, a bit of rage. A bloke bumped into me in the pub. I got the hump, got in my car and run him over. Not my brightest move."
Unbeknownst to Simmonds, Neal was the boyfriend of his estranged daughter, Megan Lock-West. Simmonds had not seen his daughter, Megan, since she was five years old and was unaware she was even at the pub that night. Megan Lock-West was walking behind Neal and was also struck by her father as he hit Neal and drove onto the bonnet before Neal fell to the pavement.
After the collision, Simmonds reversed and drove away. He was stopped by police approximately 90 minutes later and breathalysed, giving an alcohol reading of 80 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath, significantly over the legal limit of 35.
During the court proceedings, Simmonds' defense argued he felt "considerable shame" and "deeply sorry and regretful," citing personal difficulties and bereavement as contributing factors to his alcohol use. They presented his work with intervention services and as a charity speaker as evidence of rehabilitation.
However, Judge Oliver Saxby KC determined the offense was too serious for a non-custodial sentence, stating the car was used as a "highly dangerous weapon." The judge noted that had Simmonds succeeded in his intent, he could have faced a murder charge. Simmonds received a driving ban of four years and eight months and must pass an extended test to regain his license.