A father-of-three has been sent to prison after a horrific sequence of events in which he ran over and killed a dog before deliberately driving at its owner in Stoke-on-Trent.
Shocking sequence of events on Church Lane
Uangasane Hange, 28, was driving on Church Lane in Stoke-on-Trent on the night of September 13, 2022, when his vehicle struck and killed a dog being walked by its owner. The court heard that the dog's owner had been at the Knutton Club playing darts with his uncle and was walking the two-and-a-half miles home, slightly intoxicated, when the tragedy occurred just before midnight.
Prosecutor Emmanuel Coniah told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Hange initially pulled over on Cherry Hill Lane in Newcastle-under-Lyme following the collision with the animal. It was at this point that the dog's owner, understandably distraught, directed racist abuse towards Hange.
Deliberate attack with a vehicle
Instead of showing sympathy or remaining at the scene, Hange's response escalated the situation dramatically. Judge Richard McConaghy described how, after the verbal abuse had stopped and the victim was walking away with his back turned, Hange got back into his car. He revved the engine loudly and then deliberately drove at speed towards the man.
The force of the impact sent the victim flying into the air, over the bonnet of the vehicle, and onto the road. The victim recalled being struck a second time by the car, which knocked him to the ground, before a physical altercation ensued between the two men.
Mitigation and sentencing
In his police interview, Hange, of Shelton Old Road, Stoke, admitted to having consumed three cans of Stella Artois lager prior to the incident. His defence barrister, Paul Cliff, argued that his client's actions were "spontaneous" and borne out of panic, stating Hange was clear he did not intend to harm the dog.
Mr Cliff outlined Hange's background, noting he came to the UK in 2009, had a difficult childhood, worked as a care assistant, and was the principal carer for one of his three children.
However, Judge McConaghy emphasised the gravity of using a vehicle as a weapon. While condemning the victim's "unacceptable" racial abuse, the judge stated Hange had shown no understanding for a man whose pet he had just killed.
Hange was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. He was also banned from driving for five years, extended by 16 months to account for his time in custody.
