Man, 33, sentenced for grievous bodily harm

A 33-year-old man who deliberately drove his car into a group of people in Kettering has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.

In the early hours of April 16, 2023, Rhys Evan Mercer drove his white Land Rover Defender at a group of seven pedestrians in Bath Road, following an altercation with the group earlier that day.

As a result of the assault, one man in his 40s sustained multiple fractures to his ribs, brain hematomas, and lung injuries. One of his teeth was also knocked out and he has now completely lost his sense of smell.

Four others also suffered injuries including cuts, bruises and fractures.

Mercer, of Doris Road, Kettering, carried out the assault after an altercation with the group earlier that day and straight after the attack, phoned 999 to tell police what he’d done.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of grievous bodily harm of which he pleaded guilty to at Northampton Crown Court at an earlier court hearing.

He returned to the same court last month (November 7) where he was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.

Lead investigator - Detective Constable Amie Watson said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victims of this attack and I hope the sentencing of Rhys Mercer provides them with some closure and an ability to move forward and continue with both their physical and mental recoveries.

“I want to thank them for supporting our investigation and I hope this result demonstrates the seriousness with which the police and the courts take serious violence.

“I hope Rhys Mercer spends his time in prison reflecting on his actions and chooses to make wiser decisions when he is released.”