LEONARD Willsher, aged 41 from The Fremnells, Basildon was yesterday sentenced to three years and eight months in prison after admitting a number of offences that left a 58-year-old delivery driver fighting for his life.
David Fletcher from Upminster was making deliveries in Wood Avenue, Purfleet on July 9, 2013 when two men jumped into his lorry and attempted to drive off. Mr Fletcher chased after the lorry, but was pushed in the face by the driver, and fell to the ground. His lorry then drove over him, leaving him with serious multiple injuries.
Yesterday, (January 28) at Basildon Crown Court, Leonard Willsher, aged 41, from The Fremnells, Basildon was jailed after admtting causing grievous bodily harm, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and driving whilst disqualified.
After sentencing Mr Fletcher’s family issued the following statement: “As a family we would like to thank the team at Essex Police for their hard work and dedication. We are particularly grateful for the professionalism and support of Lee Nelson, Liz Morgan, Lucy Morris and Mark Hodgson throughout the investigation.
“We would also like to pass on our thanks to all those that helped David, from the witnesses that helped care for him when he was lying injured in the road, the Essex Air Ambulance and the staff at Royal London Hospital.
“We know that without the first class care he received, David would not be with us today. We of course wish that this incident had never happened and we will always have to live with the consequences. We have however drawn comfort from the fact that for every person like the defendant and his accomplice, there are countless others that have shown so much kindness and care.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Det Chief Insp Lucy Morris said: “Leonard Willsher was an opportunist thief who stole Mr Fletcher’s vehicle whilst he made a delivery. Mr Fletcher chased after him and bravely held onto the lorry’s wing mirror. In trying to escape and with no regard for his victim, Leonard Willsher callously pushed Mr Fletcher away and then ran him over.
“Despite causing near fatal injuries, Willsher did nothing to help his victim, but was observed wiping his fingerprints from the lorry before running off, leaving his victim for dead. Thanks to expert medical care, his own strength of character and determination to get better Mr Fletcher is recovering with the help and support of his family.
“This was a complex enquiry involving a large number of Essex Police staff and experts who provided the evidence to put Leonard Willsher in the driving seat. I am glad for Mr Fletcher and his family that we have been able to get justice for them.
“However we have not closed this enquiry yet. We know that there was a second man in the vehicle with Willsher and despite admitting these offences he has, so far, refused to identify the man who was with him.
“I would urgently appeal to anyone who may have information about Willsher’s accomplice to get in touch with me and tell me what they know.”
Anyone who wants to speak to DCI Morris can call Essex Police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
