Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, was arrested after a car drove into multiple pedestrians on Friar Gate
Sophie Fagone Buscimese Trainee Reporter
10:53, 01 Apr 2026Updated 10:59, 01 Apr 2026
Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, was arrested shortly after the incident and has appeared before court on Wednesday, April 1
The first picture of a man accused of a car attack in Derby city centre has emerged.
Sandhu Ponnachan, 36, of Chariot Close in Alvaston, appeared before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 1, after he was arrested in connection with the incident in Friar Gate on Saturday, March 28.
At around 9.30pm on the evening, seven people were injured after a black Suzuki Swift collided with a number of pedestrians.
All seven were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Four people have since been discharged from hospital.
Ponnachan, who lives in Derby but is originally from India, was arrested shortly after the incident happened and has now been charged with six counts of Section 18 GBH with intent, one count of attempted Section 18 GBH with intent, one count of dangerous driving, and one count of possession of a bladed article.
He appeared at court dressed in a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
Prosecutor Seema Mistry told the hearing that the defendant accepts he was the driver of the car and had travelled from his home and into the city centre, where his Suzuki Swift allegedly mounted the pavement and struck a number of pedestrians.
Judge Jonathan Taaffe remanded him into custody and sent the case to Derby Crown Court, where he is set to appear on April 29.
Chief Superintendent Emma Aldred said: “This incident has, naturally, sent shockwaves through the community of Derby and the county as a whole.
“My thoughts, and those of the wider force, remain with each of the seven injured people, their families, and witnesses at the scene.
“I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the people that have assisted our investigation – the public, partner agencies, local businesses and also the media and wider community for their patience and understanding as we have worked to seek a charge.
“As a final word, now that charges have been made, I’d ask for the cooperation of the public to allow the judicial process to continue without any speculation online or elsewhere that could impede the pursuit of justice for all those affected.”