A man and woman have been found guilty of a brutal and callous attack in Wolverhampton, where a car was used as a weapon before the injured victim was robbed.
Horrific Details of the Attack Emerge
Melvin Winters, 46, and Josie James, 32, both from Bushbury, were convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, December 18. The court heard how they targeted a 42-year-old man on Pope Road in The Scotlands on the afternoon of July 2.
Investigations, supported by CCTV evidence, revealed that the pair had met their victim that day and an argument had ensued. As the man walked away, Winters deliberately drove his black Vauxhall Insignia into him, knocking him to the ground.
In a shocking escalation, Winters then drove around and struck the defenceless victim a second time while he was still lying on the road, causing serious injuries to his legs, ribs, and shoulder.
Robbery Amidst the Carnage
As the victim lay badly hurt, Josie James exited the vehicle. Rather than offering assistance or calling for help, she approached the injured man and stole a gold chain from him. The pair then drove away, leaving their victim for dead.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 2.20pm. The victim was treated by paramedics before being rushed to hospital. He is now continuing his recovery.
The abandoned Vauxhall was found in nearby Masefield Mews at approximately 3.05pm the same day and was recovered for forensic examination. Winters and James were quickly identified, traced, and arrested from separate addresses on July 5.
Justice Served After Trial
During the trial, Winters denied the charge of attempted murder, while both defendants pleaded not guilty to robbery. The jury saw through their denials, convicting them on all counts.
Detective Constable Reece Markham, from the Major Crime Unit, condemned their actions. "Whatever the reason for the argument, using a car as a weapon to injure someone is horrendous and could have resulted in the victim losing their life," he said.
He added, "For the passenger of the car to have seen what happened and then get out to rob the victim as he lay on the ground, without offering him any help, is appalling. Despite both of them denying the charges and refusing to take responsibility for their callous actions they have rightly been convicted of this crime."
Melvin Winters and Josie James are now remanded in custody and will be sentenced on February 10.
