MARK GIBBONS

STALKER HUSBAND DROVE INTO WIFE TO TRY TO KILL HER

A man convicted of stalking his estranged wife and attempting to kill her by driving into her four times has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Mark Gibbons, aged 62, assaulted Dr Julia Woolgar by forcing her against a wall on 23 May in Ormskirk, Lancashire, as detailed at Preston Crown Court.

During the incident, a bystander, alarmed by her screams, broke the car window and removed the keys to prevent further harm.

Gibbons from Bold Lane, Ormskirk, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, as well as charges of causing actual bodily harm and violating a restraining order.

Lancashire Police stated Gibbons had previously been convicted of stalking Dr Woolgar and had received only a five-day-old restraining order before the attack.

The assault occurred when his vehicle mounted the pavement on Aughton Street, hitting her, resulting in injuries and substantial bruising to her lower body.

Two men intervened courageously one lifted her off the ground while the other seized Gibbons’ car keys actions for which they were later awarded police bravery medals.

Dr Woolgar was taken to Aintree Hospital in Merseyside for treatment, while Gibbons was detained at the scene.

Detective Constable Jo Collinson of Lancashire Police described her escape as a "miracle" and commended the bystanders’ bravery.

Gibbons received an additional three-year extended licence and a driving ban lasting 18 years.