A DRIVER who intentionally hit a father and his young daughter has been jailed. 

Neil Hutton, 51, of Cheyne Way, Farnborough, was behind the wheel of a blue Citroen C3 when he struck a 39-year-old man and his five-year-old daughter on Hawthorn Rd on October 3, last year.

Moments before the incident, Hutton almost hit the pair as they were walking in the Princes Mead Retail car park, Winchester Crown Court heard.

The man shouted at the driver, who drove out of the car park and onto Hawthrown Road.

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Neil Hutton, 51, has been jailed  (Image: Hampshire Police)

As the father attempted to cross the zebra crossing with his two daughters, the same car hit the man and one of the young girls. His daughter was knocked off her bike and the father was thrown onto the bonnet.

The driver then reversed and drove at the man again – hitting him for a second time, before fleeing the scene.

The man was not hurt and his daughter was treated for cuts and bruises.

Officers launched an investigation and identified Hutton as being the driver. He was arrested and later charged.

Hutton pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, attempting to cause assault occasioning actual bodily harm and dangerous driving.

Detective Constable Luke Kedge, from CID North, said: “Neil Hutton’s actions that day were both reckless and dangerous and the outcome could have been a lot worse.

“This was a terrifying incident for a father and his two children, who were just out going about their daily lives.

“My thoughts remain with the family and I thank them for their bravery for coming forward to give evidence.

“I would also like to thank the many witnesses who came forward. With their help we were able to secure this result and I hope it allows the family to move forward from this incident.”

He was jailed for a total of four years and six months in prison at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, July 5. He also received a mandatory driving disqualification of 58 months.