Mum, 46, jailed for running down thug boyfriend in revenge for years of abuse
A MUM who ran over her boyfriend in revenge for years of abuse has been jailed.
Gina Brown,46, jumped the behind the wheel of a Volkswagen T-Roc, mounted the kerb and mowed down the man after a trip to the pub.
He was thrown into the air and suffered a significant brain injury as well as multiple broken ribs. His condition was described as life-threatening at the time.
Earlier that evening they had been at the Village Green pub in Erdington, Birmingham, and were seemingly on good terms before something “soured the night.”
They left separately but Brown jumped behind the wheel of her Volkswagen T-Roc and pursued him.
Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court Brown was cleared of attempted murder but found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
On Friday, June 16, Brown, of Osprey Road, was sentenced to four years.
Having been in custody on remand for 20 months since the incident she was told she could expect to be released within a matter of weeks to serve the remaining half of her term on licence.
That prompted tears and expressions of joy from her supporters in the public gallery.
The jury heard Brown had endured a “long history of abuse, of controlling and abusive behaviour” by her boyfriend.
At the time of the incident they were living apart. On the day in question Brown had gone to visit him at his flat before they went to the pub.
Prosecutor Tahir Khan KC said: “It is reasonable to assume that at that time they were on good terms.
“However something must have happened while the two of them were socialising, something must have happened to have soured the night between the two of them.”
The victim had no memory of the subsequent collision and despite initially being left in a “grave condition” he has since gone on to make a full recovery.
He did not support the prosecution case, the court heard.
James Bloomer, defending, said there had been “massive provocation over the years” adding that Brown was also battling mental health issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
He confirmed the “relationship is over” and said she was remorseful for the attack, which took place on October 8, 2021.
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Passing sentence Judge Roderick Henderson acknowledged there was a “great deal of background.”
Having read references he concluded Brown was a “public supporting and valued member of society.”
Judge Henderson added: “You used a highly dangerous weapon and it was revenge.
“You acted in response to prolonged violence or abuse by the victim and there were mental health issues linked to the commission of the offence.
“Plainly it was an impulsive spur of the moment act. Life threatening injury was caused but the happy outcome is the victim suffered no significant long term injuries.”