A drink driver who ran over a man in his van after arguing with him about social distancing in a pub has been jailed for more than 10 years. And when arrested he made the outrageous claim that being almost twice the limit was “no big deal” and even boasted to cops of once being four times the limit.
Philip Forrest, 42, had been drinking at The Three Fishes pub in Worthing, West Sussex on 10 October 2020 before the attack began. He had to be reminded to follow coronavirus rules by staff during the evening and later that night he had a row with his victim, who had become concerned about his lack of respect for social distancing.
As they argued outside on the street Forest punched his 55-year-old victim in the face before fleeing the scene on foot. He then got into his white Vauxhall Combo van and struck his victim, who fell to the floor and was left with serious injuries including a broken arm.
