## Cardiff Man Jailed After Deliberately Running Down Pair with SUV During Late-Night Attack
A Cardiff man has been jailed after he deliberately drove into two people with a black SUV, inflicting grave injuries in what a judge described as a violent and remorseless act. Johnathan Newbury, 33, was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional two-year extended licence, following a harrowing incident that left one of his victims with grievous bodily harm.
The dramatic events unfolded on 5 July last year in the Cathays area of Cardiff, following an earlier confrontation at a local Airbnb property. The victims, identified as Ryan Jones and a 17-year-old male, had become embroiled in a dispute with a group of men who were also staying at the same address on Bruce Street. According to court proceedings at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, the two victims were subjected to threats and racially charged slurs from the window, with the situation escalating as the night wore on.
Later that evening, tensions flared further when Jones and his younger companion were warned by a female resident that the men who had previously threatened them would “bonnet” them—an apparent reference to an act of violence. Just past midnight, CCTV captured the arrival of a black SUV on Bruce Street. Four men exited the vehicle, all reportedly carrying “Zombie knives,” large blades styled after those seen in films and video games. Prosecutors said the group appeared intent on seeking out the two victims.
Witnesses at the trial described how Newbury, identified by both victims, took the wheel of the SUV and tracked the pair through nearby streets. Despite the victims’ attempt to flee, Newbury located them at the junction of Crwys Road and Dogfield Street. In a shocking turn, he accelerated his vehicle, swerved onto the wrong side of the road, and struck both men as they crossed Malefant Street, hurling them into the air and inflicting severe injuries.
After the collision, Newbury sped away in the direction of Llanedeyrn, leaving the injured duo at the scene. Jones sustained serious injuries to his pelvis and right foot, while the 17-year-old briefly lost consciousness, suffering harm to his jaw, ribs, chest, and abdomen.
Further investigation connected Newbury, who resides in Wern Goch West, Roath, to the incident. Notably, Jones was able to place him at the scene of the crime and at a hospital weeks prior, a fact corroborated during the trial. Newbury refused to admit any wrongdoing throughout proceedings, maintaining his innocence despite overwhelming evidence.
The court was informed of Newbury’s extensive criminal history, which included prior convictions for robbery, violent disorder, assaulting emergency workers, and threatening with offensive weapons. The jury ultimately found him guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted grievous bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article.
Defending barrister Tim Montgomery suggested that Newbury was not on a predetermined mission to commit the offences and questioned whether the court could be absolutely certain that his client was behind the wheel at the time.
However, presiding Judge Jeremy Jenkins handed down a firm sentence, stating: “You do not accept your guilt and you have shown no remorse at all for the offences you have been found guilty of. You are a man who has resorted to violence in the past.”
Newbury will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Upon his eventual release, he will also face a driving ban, reflecting the gravity with which the court viewed his actions.
This case highlights concerns about escalating street violence and the use of large knives—commonly referred to as Zombie knives—that continue to pose severe risks in urban communities. The judge’s remarks underlined the significance of remorse and accountability in such cases, as the justice system aims not only to punish but also to deter acts of brazen aggression on public streets.