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Suspected car thief who crashed into group of pedestrians outside London mosque appeared in court

A suspected car thief who crashed into a group of pedestrians outside a mosque last month has appeared in court.

One suffered a broken pelvis, broken hip and a fractured leg while another two were injured in the alleged hit and run in Cricklewood north London on September 19.

Martin Stokes, 24, was originally charged with grievous bodily harm, aggravated taking a vehicle without consent, causing injury by dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance, and racially aggravated harassment with intention to cause alarm or distress.

But today the prosecutor added six more offences including two counts of assault, two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour, one count of racially/religiously aggravated harassment and one count of vehicle interference.

Stokes is also being tried for three previous alleged offences of driving dangerously, aggravated taking of a vehicle and vehicle interference.

He denies all charges.

Stokes is one of three men charged in connection to the crash.

Thomas McDonagh, 20, of Wembley was charged on October 24 with being carried in a stolen motor vehicle.

Michael O’Donnell, 20, of Wembley was charged on the same date with being carried in a stolen vehicle and interfering with a number plate.

Both have been bailed to appear at a magistrates’ court on a date to be confirmed.

The defendant appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ dressed in a grey hoodie, grey shorts and a white shirt and kept his arms folded for most of the hearing.

Stokes, of Lynton Close, Cricklewood, was denied bail and will be tried for all offences other than vehicle interference at Harrow Crown Court next month.

His trial for vehicle interference will start in December at Willesden Magistrates’ Court

A 17-year-old female was also been bailed to return to a London police station on a date in November, pending further enquiries.

 

Joe Mellor

Head of Content

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