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County Durham Man Jailed for Using Truck to Ram Stolen Quad

The judge called the collision a deliberate vigilante attack, imposing a 42‑month prison term with a 57‑month driving ban.

Overview

  • Declan Fahey pursued a quad reported stolen and deliberately drove his Mazda flatbed truck into the vehicle on 5 March 2025, sending riders airborne and seriously injuring a 16‑year‑old.
  • A jury convicted Fahey of grievous bodily harm with intent and Recorder Richard Herrmann described the act as premeditated revenge that took the law into his own hands.
  • The teenager suffered multiple fractures to his skull, face and thigh and possible bruising to a lung, and no update on his current condition was given in court because he did not take part in proceedings.
  • Fahey denied intending to hit the quad, telling police “It’s his own fault,” while his defence said the encounter was a chance sighting and out of character, but the jury rejected that account.
  • The court heard Fahey did not stop to assist after the collision and drove from the scene, underscoring that vigilante use of a heavy vehicle can carry serious criminal penalties and long driving disqualifications.