Man charged after car hits pedestrians in Derby city centre

1 Apr 2026 • 4:57 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, has been charged with multiple offences after a car struck pedestrians in Derby, injuring seven people.
  • The incident took place outside the Bishop Blaise in Friar Gate around 9.30pm on Saturday, leading to Ponnachan's arrest seven minutes later.
  • He faces six counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article, and is due in court on Wednesday.
  • Seven individuals – four men and three women aged between 36 and 52 – were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries, with four now discharged.
  • Counter-terrorism officers assisted the investigation, but Derbyshire Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

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