Derbyshire factory worker hit managers with car while fleeing in “panic”

A Derbyshire factory worker identified as a “person of interest” over the disappearance of stock hit two senior managers with his car while fleeing in a “panic”, a court heard.
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Marcus Mitchell, 25, left both men bruised after reversing into one and bashing the other with the car wing as he sped away from Cotes Park Lane Industrial Estate, Alfreton.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how in November last year managers Anthony Yates and Tom Storer “tapped” on Mitchell’s car window to speak to him as was leaving.

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Mitchell, refusing to exit the vehicle, locked it from the inside and reversed it into Mr Yates, then hit Mr Storer with the wing.

Prosecutor Stella Moses told the court: “Had they not reacted quickly both would have been seriously injured instead of just bruised.”

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Mitchell, who had no solicitor during his hearing, claimed he fled because he had cannabis in the car.

Ms Moses said: “He started the car because males were banging on the windows with torches and he couldn’t hear what they were saying.

Marcus Mitchell, 25, left both men bruised after reversing into one and bashing the other with the car wingMarcus Mitchell, 25, left both men bruised after reversing into one and bashing the other with the car wing
Marcus Mitchell, 25, left both men bruised after reversing into one and bashing the other with the car wing
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“He thought they were going to put the windows through and says he had no intention of hurting anyone - he just wanted to get away and regrets the incident.”

Ms Moses told the court Mitchell had no previous dishonesty convictions but had been before the courts for assault and drug charges in the past.

Mitchell, of Kingsley Crescent, Alfreton, admitted two counts of assault, driving without a licence and while uninsured.

Magistrates adjourned his case pending a probation report.

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