A tragic incident unfolded in Pleasley, Derbyshire, where a drug dealer allegedly engaged in a deliberate pursuit of a mother and her boyfriend on an e-bike, leading to catastrophic consequences. The prosecution has painted a harrowing picture of the events that transpired on November 26, 2024, when 23-year-old Keaton Muldoon allegedly chased Alana Armstrong, 25, and Jordan Newton-Kay, 22, for over a mile in his Land Rover Discovery. Armstrong was declared dead at the scene due to severe injuries, while Newton-Kay faced life-altering consequences, requiring amputation of his right leg.

The court learned that before the pursuit commenced, Muldoon had been involved in a drug deal, offloading 30 pounds of cocaine in a nearby pub car park. Sally Howes KC, the prosecuting barrister, described how the couple’s encounter with Muldoon escalated after they rode past his stationary vehicle; curiosity led them to check on the parked 4x4, which, as the prosecution argued, constituted a pivotal moment that triggered Muldoon’s aggressive reaction.

Witness accounts indicate that Muldoon’s vehicle, significantly larger and heavier than the e-bikes, was used as a weapon in a calculated act of violence. During the trial, it was revealed that after ramming the e-bike, Muldoon reportedly exclaimed, “Oh s. Oh for f* sake. I was only meant to knock them off the bike,” further suggesting a conscious intent to cause harm. The trauma experienced by both victims was underscored by Newton-Kay’s chilling description of the moment he watched Armstrong being struck and subsequently thrown over the vehicle. He eventually managed to escape the collision by veering off the road.

Emergency responders arrived soon after, only to find Armstrong unresponsive and suffering from "unsurvivable" injuries. Newton-Kay’s condition was grave; he survived but faced multiple operations and the painful reality of amputation due to the traumatic injuries inflicted during the incident. This severe consequence emphasises not only the physical danger posed to the victims but the broader violent context surrounding the drug culture within which the incident unfolded.

Witness testimony also illuminated the couple’s activities prior to the confrontation. They had been socialising with a friend and consuming cannabis, revealing a stark contrast to the chaotic violence that erupted shortly thereafter. The combination of illicit substances, the presence of a powerful vehicle, and Muldoon’s intent culminated in an event that has left a community in shock.

Muldoon, who was arrested a week after the collision, has since pleaded guilty to charges related to dangerous driving but vehemently denies murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. He has claimed the incident resulted from panic due to fears of being robbed. However, the prosecution maintains that this line of defence doesn’t hold in light of the calculated nature of the attack, arguing that it signifies a deliberate decision to pursue and harm vulnerable individuals.

As the trial progresses, it seeks not only to deliver justice for Alana Armstrong, a mother with a six-year-old son, but also to bring attention to the severe ramifications of drug-related violence. The community and the legal system await the outcome, as witnesses and family members grapple with the tragic loss of a life impacted by a collision between the worlds of drugs and reckless driving.

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Source: Noah Wire Services