Natasha Dulson (24), pictured at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court
An ex-boyfriend was left for dead by a drink driver after he laid on her bonnet and shouted “run me over!”
Natasha Dulson, 24, had drunk a bottle of wine while visiting her former partner’s sister at an address in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire on February 25.
Dulson left in the wee hours of the morning and got back into the white Mini she had rented to ride the taxi. However, an argument broke out, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard.
Dulson got his nose bit by the man, then when she attempted to push him off, he bit her thumb. Then, when Dulson tried calling her mother for assistance, her ex-boyfriend struck the dashboard.
Dulson, fearing for her safety pulled off, but then stopped. Dulson’s partner got out and spread his arms across the bonnet and said “just run me over” to him.
Following head injuries and a subsequent drive off, the defendant fled again.
Before he was taken into hospital, paramedics and residents provided first aid.
Dulson, of Porthill, Staffordshire, returned to the scene and provided a positive roadside breath test, showing she was nearly two-and-a-half times the legal limit.
Although she admitted to dangerous driving and drinking while driving, her plea came on the basis that she was in a relationship and had suffered domestic violence.
Dulson left in the wee hours of the morning and got back into the white Mini she had rented to ride for the taxi. However, an argument broke out, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court (pictured below) recorded.
Dulson was banned from driving for 20 months – and until she passes an extended test. She was also handed a two-year community order requiring her to complete a rehabilitation activity for 20 days, with 140 hours of unpaid work.
The court had heard that Dulson and her partner had become close again during lockdown and she agreed to go for a meal at his sister’s house.
The man was ill-tempered, and started arguing with his sister.
Emma Rutherford, the prosecutor said that a May Bank resident from Stratford Avenue heard shouting around 1.30 AM on February 26, 2017.
Miss Rutherford reported that the man looked out of his window to see a Mini white car parked at the end of the street. The front seat was occupied by a man. The driver, the defendant, was not visible to him. However, he heard a voice from his right and could see people arguing. The defendant shouted, “Get out!”
“He noticed the man getting out of bed and standing in front the bonnet. His hands were up towards the windscreen as he spread his arms across the bonnet. He replied, “Just run me over.”
“He noticed the car pulling off. The car turned into Downing Avenue.
One resident heard shouting outside at 1.50 am. The resident saw the man in the street. The man could also see the white Mini that was next to it. The accused pulled up in the Mini and accelerated.
Dulson (right) admitted dangerous driving and drink-driving, but her plea was on a basis she had been in a relationship with the man and was the victim of domestic violence
“The man was unconscious. The husband and wife gave first aid to the man and then he called emergency services.
“A couple of minutes later, the defendant came back at high speed. He saw that she was about to strike them. He stood tall and raised his hand. Before driving away, she stopped the car.
The police arrived on the scene and observed that the Mini was being driven away. They then followed. She was dizzy and smelled of alcohol, which the officer observed.
Dulson stated that she was attacked by the man, and submitted a positive roadside test. She was taken into custody.
He had bleeding from his head. His injuries were treated by an ambulance and he was admitted to the hospital. He was not considered to be life-threatening.
The defendant stated that she had drunk a glass of wine throughout the night, but didn’t feel drunk.
It was dangerous for her to drive, but she accepted it.
Amrisha Parthalingham, mitigating said that the defendant is innocent of any previous offenses, and she has received professional help ever since.
Judge Paul Glenn stated that it was stupid for you to decide to drive after drinking with your sister. This seems like a spontaneous decision. You had other choices. The distance you drove was approximately one-and-a half to two miles. Your route through Newcastle must have included the centre of Newcastle.
“I accept that you would be scared if you were assaulted again after I stopped you.”
“He stood directly in front or under your vehicle when you drove off aggressively.
“You didn’t drive very long before he got thrown off the road and was left unconscious on the streets. It’s fortunate that he didn’t run into any other traffic.
“I understand that you feel sorry for yourself. It is possible that you will get into employment. You have clearly sought professional assistance and made an effort to make it work.
“I understand that you may reoffend, but I don’t consider this to be you intentionally using my vehicle as a weapon. If you did, I would put you in prison. In this particular case, however, that would be unnecessary.