Driver Faces Charges Following Derby Pedestrian Collision

A 36-year-old man from India has appeared in court after being charged with multiple offenses following a car crash that injured seven pedestrians in Derby’s city centre. The incident, which took place at Friar Gate around 21:30 GMT on Saturday, involved a black Suzuki Swift and left four men and three women with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victims, aged between 36 and 52, were taken to hospital, though four have since been discharged.

Sandhu Ponnachan, who resides at Chariot Close in Alvaston, Derby, was remanded to stand trial at Derby Crown Court on 29 April. During his appearance at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, he provided only his name and address. He was charged with six counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of attempted GBH with intent, and additional charges for dangerous driving and possession of a bladed article.

“Four men and three women, aged between 36 and 52, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries during the incident,” stated Derbyshire Police. “Four have since been released from hospital.”

Ponnachan was seen wearing glasses and dressed in a plain grey T-shirt, grey jogging bottoms, and light blue footwear. The court hearing lasted approximately five minutes, with no bail application made. The case now progresses to the Crown Court for further proceedings.

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