Driver accused over Derby car ramming is pictured after first court appearance

A man accused of mowing down a group of people in a late-night crash at the weekend has been pictured for the first time as he appeared in court today.

Seven people were injured, some seriously, outside the Bishop Blaise pub in Friar Gate at around 9.30pm on Saturday when a black Suzuki Swift mounted the pavement.

Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with dangerous driving.

He also faces six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm, and one count of possession of a bladed article.

The victims were four men and three women aged between 36 and 52, and four have been discharged from hospital, Derbyshire Police said.

Ponnachan, who is originally from India but now lives in Alvaston, Derby, was arrested seven minutes after the incident.

Appearing in the dock at the magistrates’ court, Ponnachan showed no emotion.

Wearing glasses and dressed in a plain grey T-shirt, grey jogging bottom and light blue croc-type footwear, he spoke only to confirm his personal details, including his address.

He was remanded in custody until an appearance at Derby Crown Court on April 29.

There was no application for bail during the hearing, which lasted for around five minutes.

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe began the hearing by addressing Ponnachan directly.

The judge told him: ‘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.

‘Given the nature of the charges, they can only be dealt with at the crown court.’

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