A UK man is headed to prison after stealing his father’s bulldozer and driving into a pub in what the judge dubbed a “revenge” attack.
Daniel Morgan, 35, was sentenced May 14 to three years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to aggravating vehicle taking, property damage, dangerous driving and criminal damage that recklessly endangers life, according to a statement from the South Wales Police.
Daniel Morgan Stole Bulldozer From Shed, Before Driving it to Pub
Police said the incident began December 4 while Daniel was drinking at the New Inn Public House in Aberdare.
After comments were made about Daniel’s failing marriage, he left the pub in anger, later texting pub owner Christopher Common “be careful, you can’t stop a dozer,” and “it will be a drive thru,” according to the BBC.
Daniel then headed to his father’s farm where police said he stole the bulldozer by “driving it through the shed it was stored in.” Surveillance footage captured the vehicle leaving the shed and driving into his brother’s vehicle before flipping it over, the BBC reported.
According to court testimony, his father Phillip Morgan spotted his son taking the bulldozer and got in his own truck and drove to the pub to warn those inside after he had been unable to stop his son.
“Morgan continued to drive the bulldozer down the main road where he hit and pushed over an Isuzu Truck,” police said in their statement. “He then reached the New Inn pub, where he smashed into the front porch twice causing extensive damage.”
Daniel Morgan’s Father Stopped Bulldozer, Leading to Arrest
After causing more than $29,000 in damage to the building, Daniel began to drive to the home where his wife and children were staying, the BBC reported. Phillip once again tried to intervene, this time using a truck and trailer to try to block Daniel’s path.
The bulldozer drove over the vehicles and continued on, until his father climbed into the bucket of a digger and managed to damage the front of the bulldozer, stopping it.
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Police said Daniel was arrested in the cab of the bulldozer.
“This was a thoughtless and targeted attack on a pub,” Detective Sergeant Jenna Herbert said in the statement from police.“Morgan has caused substantive damage to both the pub and multiple vehicles, it’s lucky that no one was seriously hurt in this incident. Morgan will now serve time in prison where he can think about his actions.”
At the time of his arrest, Morgan’s blood alcohol content was found to be one and half times over the legal limit for driving, per the BBC.
His father said he was “shocked” by his son’s actions that day and added that his son needed help, according to the BBC.
Judge Sentences Daniel Morgan to 40 Months in Prison
At Daniel’s sentencing, Merthyr Crown Court Judge Celia Hughes said the attack was motivated by “revenge” and acknowledged that the one-time “family man” was influenced by the break down of his marriage and use of alcohol and cocaine.
Hughes also took into consideration his remorse when handing down the 40-month sentence, the news outlet reported.
The judge also commended Phillip for his “bravery” while trying to stop his son.
