A drunk driver who ran over a man with his van after arguing about social distancing in a pub has been jailed.
Philip Forrest, 42, had been drinking at the Three Fishes pub in Worthing, West Sussex in October 2020 before the attack.
When he was arrested he also made an outrageous claim that being almost twice the limit was "no big deal" and even boasted to cops of once being four times the limit, Lewes Crown Court heard.
Forrest had to be reminded about following Covid-19 rules by staff throughout the evening.
He got in a row later that night with the victim, who started to become concerned about his lack of respect for social distancing.
The argument spilt out onto the street where Forrest punched the 55-year-old victim in the face before fleeing 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.
Forrest failed to stop but witnesses said he had talked earlier about going to another pub.
He was found drinking at the bar of the Golden Lion in nearby Durrington.
Police arrested him soon after on suspicion of drink driving, dangerous driving and inflicting grievous bodily harm.
He was found with 69 micrograms of alcohol on his breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
Forrest, a carpenter, was jailed for 10 years and nine months after admitting all three offences at Lewes Crown Court.
He must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence.
He was also banned from the road for 10 years and seven months.
Investigating officer Lucy Hailes said: "The victim, in this case, had stuck up for another group who took offence to Forrest's lack of respect for social distancing restrictions in the pub.
"Shortly afterwards, he was assaulted outside the pub and then deliberately run over by him, causing serious injuries.
"These were the actions of a mindless and dangerous criminal who also consciously got behind the wheel of his vehicle knowing he was well over the legal drink-drive limit.
"In a police interview, Forrest claimed he punched the victim in self-defence and suggested the man stepped out in front of his vehicle, causing the collision.
"His account was not supported by either of the witnesses or CCTV footage.
"He also stated he had consumed several drinks at the Golden Lion before his arrest, suggesting he had not driven while over the limit. But again, his account was not supported by the staff who served him.
"Forrest took no responsibility for his actions and has expressed no remorse throughout.
"He was even dismissive of the risks of drink-driving, claiming that blowing 69mcg was 'no big deal' and adding that he had blown 140mcg on a previous occasion."
