Indian man charged with multiple offences after car ploughed through Saturday night crowds in Derby

George Bunn
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:54:06 +0000

A man has been charged in connection with a crash which left seven people seriously injured in Derby city centre on Saturday night.

Sandhu Ponnachan, who is originally from India, has been charged with six counts of Section 18 GBH with intent, one count of attempted Section 18 GBH with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article.

The 36-year-old of Chariot Close, Alvaston has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Wednesday.

Seven people were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries following the incident.

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Derbyshire Police confirmed four people have since been discharged from hospital.

Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said: "This incident has, naturally, sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole. My thoughts, and those of the wider force, remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene.

"I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the people that have assisted our investigation – the public, partner agencies, local businesses and also the media and wider community for their patience and understanding as we have worked to seek a charge.

"While today’s charge is positive news, and one that I hope brings a degree of reassurance, the investigation into the incident continues and I would once again appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward."

The Chief Superintendent continued: "We are still very keen to hear from who anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage that could assist our enquiries and would urge you to contact us via the details below, if you have not already done so.

"As a final word, now that charges have been made I’d ask for the cooperation of the public to allow the judicial process to continue without any speculation online or elsewhere that could impede the pursuit of justice for all those affected."

Janine McKinney, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

"We have worked carefully with Derbyshire Police as they carried out their investigation."

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Derbyshire Police are asking anyone with footage of the incident to contact them.

The force previously said the support of counter-terrorism officers does not mean the incident is being treated as terrorism.