Racial Attack: Men Celebrate as Car Mows Down NHS Worker
In a disturbing and heinous act of violence, two men have been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for deliberately hitting an NHS worker with their car in Bristol. Katungua Tjitendero, a dedicated healthcare worker at Southmead Hospital, was the victim of a racially motivated attack that left him severely injured and traumatized.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred on a summer afternoon in July 2020, as Mr. Tjitendero was leaving his shift at the hospital. The perpetrators, Phillip Adams and Patrick James, used their Honda vehicle as a weapon, striking Mr. Tjitendero and pinning him against a garden wall. As the masked men fled the scene, one of them shouted a racial slur at the injured NHS worker, adding insult to injury.
Members of the public rushed to Mr. Tjitendero’s aid, demonstrating the unity and compassion of the community in the face of such senseless violence. Despite the trauma of the attack, his colleagues at the hospital remained by his side, providing support and care as he was transported to the same hospital he had just left moments before.
Justice Served
After a lengthy legal process, Phillip Adams and Patrick James were found guilty of conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm on Mr. Tjitendero. James, who was also involved in a similar attack on cyclist Julian Ford, received a sentence of eight years and six months. Adams, believed to be the driver of the Honda, fled to Dubai before his trial and was sentenced in absentia to six years in prison.
The judge presiding over the case, Moira Macmillan, emphasized the severity of the attacks and the lack of any justifiable motive for the violence inflicted upon Mr. Tjitendero. The deliberate nature of the attacks, coupled with the racial abuse and celebratory behavior of the perpetrators, underscored the senseless and hateful nature of their actions.
Impact on the Victim
Mr. Tjitendero suffered significant injuries as a result of the attack, including a fractured fibula, nose, and lacerations to his head and shins. The physical wounds he sustained required surgical intervention, while the emotional and psychological trauma of the incident left lasting scars on him and his family.
In a victim impact statement read in court, Mr. Tjitendero expressed his confusion and pain over the senseless attack, questioning why he was targeted and acknowledging the lasting impact it has had on his life. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains resilient and determined not to let the attack define him.
Community Support and Resilience
The response to the attack on Mr. Tjitendero highlighted the strength and solidarity of the Bristol community. His mother, Hivaka Tjitendero, and stepfather, Eddie Briggs, provided unwavering support during his recovery, demonstrating the power of familial love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Tragically, Mr. Briggs passed away from a heart attack in 2024, likely as a result of the stress and pressures following the attack on his stepson. Despite this loss, the Tjitendero family remains grateful for the support they have received from the community, their colleagues at the hospital, and organizations such as the anti-racism charity Sari and the Avon and Somerset Police.
In a statement outside the court, Ms. Tjitendero expressed gratitude for the convictions and prison sentences handed down to Adams and James, acknowledging the impact of the attack on their family and the broader community. She emphasized the resilience and love they have for Bristol, its diversity, culture, and people, pledging to continue enjoying their lives in the city despite the trauma they have endured.
In conclusion, the brutal attack on Katungua Tjitendero serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of racism and violence in society. The resilience and unity displayed by the community in response to this horrific act demonstrate the power of compassion and solidarity in the face of hatred and intolerance. As we strive for justice and healing, let us remember the strength and resilience of individuals like Mr. Tjitendero, who refuse to be defined by the actions of those who seek to do them harm.