A MAN has been charged over a Purfleet lorry theft in which the driver sustained life changing injuries after being run over by his own vehicle.

Leonard Wilsher, 40 of The Fremnells, Basildon was charged yesterday with theft of a motor vehicle, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

This followed the incident at Wood Avenue, Purfleet on July 9 in which delivery man David Fletcher, 58 from Upminster, received multiple injuries after trying to prevent two men from stealing his lorry.

Mr Fletcher gave chase and tried to grab the keys out of the ignition through the drivers window but he was dragged along the road for around 10 metres before being flung from the vehicle, which then drove over him.

Mr Fletcher was initially treated at Royal London Hospital but was transferred to Queens Hospital, Romford last week. He has regained consciousness but has life changing injuries.

During an appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today Wilsher was remanded in custody.

He is due before a judge at Basildon Crown Court in the week commencing October 21.

Five other men who were arrested in connection with the investigation have been released on police bail until September 20.