Woman married partner who ran her over in his car after row

A woman married a Royal Marine from Devon despite the fact that he mowed her down in his car after an argument. Thomas Higgins, 40, deliberately mounted the pavement and ran down his girlfriend Tammy, now Mrs Higgins, sending her flying over 10 feet into the air after she kicked his car during a row.

The pair subsequently 'worked on their relationship' and are now married but will have to spend many months apart as Higgins has been jailed for the attack. His marriage may be holding but his career in the Royal Marines may be in jeopardy.

Higgins, from Lydcot Walk in Plymouth, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm by a jury at a trial held in Truro Crown Court in January. He had already admitted to a second charge of dangerous driving and was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, March 20.

READ MORE Police launch murder investigation after woman dies

READ MORE Jurgen Klopp spotted at popular South West restaurant

CornwallLive reports that after getting into a row on May 7 in Redruth, Cornwall, Tammy kicked and hit Higgins' car. The act was described in court as a "serious offence that nobody could dispute" through Higgins' revenge was swift and brutal, making no effort to brake as he hit his partner.

The court was told how CCTV captured the whole incident. The footage showed Higgins arguing briefly with the victim who was outside of the car in Bond Street at the time.

Tammy was then seen to "hit and kick" the car before walking around it. Higgins responded by deliberately driving into her path, running her over.

Despite being thrown 10 to 12 feet in the air, Tammy Higgins didn't suffer any major injuries and was seen limping away by a witness. The prosecutor said the attack could have caused serious injury, broken bones and even death.

The court also heard that the couple had spent significant time working on their relationship and that any prison sentence would massively affect Mrs Higgins' life. A report before sentencing noted that Higgins played a "huge role" in the family's life, helping their kids and assisting Mrs Higgins with everyday chores.

"It is very clear that this is a family who have worked through any issues that may have been there and are moving forward in a very positive and good way for the future."

When sentencing Higgins, Judge Peter Johnson said: "This is a sad sentencing exercise upon a 40-year-old man, a member of the Royal Marines, who has been serving for a number of years and is spoken of highly by the two Royal Marines officers who have given references for you. You are a man of good character."

He continued to explain that despite his good character, the offences committed were too serious to think about anything other than jail- as his now wife was clearly visible when he drove into her "at force".

"She was crossing the road at a junction when you revved your engine and set off, going over the pavement and then striking her with some force, causing her to fly through the air a distance of around 10 or 12 feet," said Judge Johnson.

"Mercifully, while this caused a dent on the bonnet of your car it didn't cause Tammy any damage and she was described as hobbling off by the eyewitness."

He said Higgins then made an effort to help Tammy, but it was "quite clear" he never made an effort to brake the car before causing the collision.

"Understandably on what appeared to be clear evidence to all who saw that trial, the jury convicted you of attempting to cause her really serious bodily harm with intent," he added.

Higgins was sentenced to three years imprisonment, which the judge remarked was the minimum possible sentence he could offer in the circumstances.