TWO men have been jailed for a combined total of 48 years after attempting to kill a man by running him over in a stolen car with false plates outside a south Essex train station.

Joshua Littlechild, 26, and Joshua Lloyd, 29, were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court today to 24 years in prison each for attempted murder, and 12 months imprisonment for aggravated taking without consent to run concurrently with this sentence

The court heard how, on March 18 last year just after 1am, the victim and his friends were heading to the taxi rank outside Billericay station after a night out when the victim became involved in an altercation with Littlechild and Lloyd.

These two groups split, with the victim and his friends walking back towards the station to get a taxi as planned. While waiting at the taxi rank, a white Ford Fiesta driven by Littlechild drove at pace towards the group, hitting the victim before driving off. 

The victim was left with a critical brain injury and required multiple surgeries to repair the damage. He still suffers from severe headaches, struggles to remain balance and has severe cognitive issues, requiring constant supervision.Cordon - the scene at BillericayCordon - the scene at Billericay station (Image: Craig Jackson)

He also has no short-term memory and struggles to recognise his newborn baby.

Upon investigation, officers identified the car had been stolen a week prior and was on false plates. The car was found close to Lloyd’s address, with texts found on Lloyd's phone from Littlechild, warning that police had located the car.

Lloyd was arrested at his home address on the same day as the hit and run, and Littlechild was detained three days later in the Newcastle area. He was found with a suitcase and his passport.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “I am extremely pleased with the result in this case. Lloyd and Littlechild acted with extreme cowardice and malice, and in attempting to kill someone over such a minor disagreement they highlighted the danger they posed to the public.

“The victim suffered life changing injuries, and I hope that the sentence handed down can provide the victim and their family some closure. I would like to thank all the officers who worked relentlessly on the investigation, and who helped gather the evidence that made it possible to secure today’s sentence.”

Littlechild, of Delphian Way, Bishops Stortford, and Joshua Lloyd, of Oak Green, Billericay were found guilty of attempted murder at Basildon Crown Court on January 22. They had previously admitted aggravated taking without consent.

Both men were given a 12 month driving ban effective upon release.

Lloyd was additionally sentenced to a further 12 months imprisonment for the cultivation of cannabis also to run concurrently with his other sentences