A man acting as a vigilante has been sentenced to prison for deliberately crashing a lorry into a teenager who was riding a stolen quad bike. Declan Fahey, a resident of Croxdale in County Durham, took matters into his own hands after his friend’s four-wheel bike went missing. The incident resulted in the 16-year-old victim suffering severe injuries, including fractures to his face, skull, and leg.

During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that Fahey, 27, pursued the quad bike in his flatbed lorry and intentionally collided with it, causing significant harm to the riders. Despite denying the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Fahey was convicted by a jury and sentenced to 42 months in prison.

Recorder Richard Herrmann, while delivering the sentence, described the deliberate act as a premeditated and vengeful attack. Fahey’s refusal to take responsibility for the injuries inflicted and his callous disregard for the victims were highlighted during the court proceedings. The court also heard that Fahey, with no prior criminal record, was banned from driving for 57 months in addition to his prison term.

The defense attorney, Chris Morrison, argued that the incident was a spontaneous reaction and emphasized Fahey’s positive character traits and remorse following the conviction. Fahey’s previous good conduct and work ethic were cited in his defense, despite the severity of the crime.