‘Laughing’ driver who killed ‘Good Samaritan’ by crashing automotive into wedding ceremony brawl jailed
Hassan Jhangur, 25, crashed his Seat Ibiza into five people, including father-of-two Chris Marriott, when he arrived at his sister’s wedding reception, where a fight had broken out between the two families
A motorist who killed a “Good Samaritan” after ploughing his car into the midst of a wedding brawl has been handed a life sentence.
Hassan Jhangur, 25, drove his Seat Ibiza into five individuals, including father-of-two Chris Marriott, after turning up at his sister’s wedding reception where violence had erupted between the two families.
The court heard how Jhangur initially struck the father of the opposing Khan family, who was positioned in the street, launching him across the vehicle’s bonnet.
He subsequently careered into a group of four people, amongst them Mr Marriott, 46, who had been enjoying a post-Christmas stroll with his loved ones and had paused to assist one of Jhangur’s sisters who was lying injured in the road.
The jury was told that devout Christian Mr Marriott lost his life whilst three others sustained injuries, including off-duty midwife Alison Norris along with Jhangur’s own mother and sister, reports the Daily Record.
The accused then exited his vehicle and repeatedly stabbed his new brother-in-law, Hasan Khan.
The court was informed that he later boasted to police officers: “That’s why you don’t mess with the Jhangurs.”
Jhangur, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield, was found guilty in July of murdering Mr Marriott. He was cleared of attempting to murder Hasan Khan, but guilty of wounding, and convicted of four charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Alison Norris, Ambreen Jhangur, Nafeesa Jhangur and Riasat Khan.
His father, Mohammed Jhangur, 57, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after he concealed a knife.
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC informed the jury at the trial’s start that Jhangur was guilty of murder because he intended “at the very least to cause really serious harm” when he used his car as a weapon.
He explained that whilst Jhangur’s target may have been the Khan family, “the law says your intentions can be transferred from one person to another, even if he did not intend to hit that particular person”.
Mr Pitter said the “public spirit” of Mr Marriott and Ms Norris “brought them unwittingly into the midst of a family dispute”, which had erupted onto the street in the Burngreave area of Sheffield on December 27 2023.
Mr Marriott, who was enjoying a post-Christmas stroll with his family, spotted Nafessa Jhangur lying in the road and chose, “fatefully”, to see whether he could assist, whilst his wife and children headed home.
Ms Norris, who was also out walking with her partner and children, did the same thing.
The court heard Jhangur had been informed about his sister being injured, and arrived at the scene in a Seat Ibiza, ploughing into Hasan Khan’s father, Riasat Khan, who was standing in the middle of the road speaking to a 999 call operator.
The Seat then struck a group of four people in the road – Nafeesa Jhangur, Ambreen Jhangur, Ms Norris and Mr Marriott – before grinding to a halt in a nearby front garden. Mr Pitter stated that Jhangur exited the vehicle whilst the engine remained running and repeatedly stabbed Hasan Khan to the left side of his head and chest, using a knife he had brought with him.
Hassan and Mohammed Jhangur are scheduled to receive their sentences at Sheffield Crown Court from Mr Justice Morris.
The judge addressed Hassan Jhangur: “Chris Marriott died at the scene. The other four hit by the car each suffered serious injuries.
“This was a deliberate and senseless act of hot-headed and wanton violence resulting in the tragic death of Chris Marriott and life-changing consequences for many others. No one who sat through the trial can fail to be moved by the dignified manner of Chris’ wife and her parents during what must have been for them, a painful process.
“We have listened to Bryony Marriott read her statement to the court, with great poise. She speaks eloquently and movingly of her beloved husband Chris, of the profound loss her and her family have suffered following Chris’ death…It is clear Chris was a much-loved husband, father and son and a highly respected member of the wider community.”
The judge informed Jhangur that the penalty for murder is a life sentence.
He must now determine a minimum term – the period he must spend in prison before being eligible for consideration by the Parole Board.
Earlier on Thursday, Bryony Marriott brushed away tears whilst delivering a personal statement to the court. She expressed: “Chris was genuine, kind and loving. He was reliable, trustworthy, affectionate and gentle.”
Mrs Marriott stated: “Chris was someone people felt comfortable and safe with, and was great at being a friend.”
She also mentioned: “Chris was a man of faith, and his love for God and for people shone through in what he devoted his time to.
“He had a compassionate heart and loved helping, supporting and empowering others.”
Mrs Marriott revealed they had been married for 16 years and they thought they would grow old together.
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