Amputee ran woman over in car, used crutches to ward off bystanders then threw false leg at police

Simon Whittle faces a life sentence after being convicted of killing Natalie Hastings

Natalie Hastings died after being hit by a car in Hemel Hempstead (Herfordshire Police)

An amputee murdered a woman by running her over with his car, then used his crutches to ward off people rushing to help before throwing his false leg at police, a judge heard.

Simon Whittle, 48, shouted at Natalie Hastings through his car window she was a “dead woman” before ramming his Volvo into her and crashing into a shop.

While the 41-year-old was lying in the road with serious injuries, Whittle got out of his car and wielded crutches at people trying to help the wounded woman, before later walking away.

She was treated by paramedics at the scene, before being taken to hospital where she died.

When Whittle was questioned by detectives, he removed his prosthetic leg and hurled it at detention staff as well as damaging a wheelchair he was given to use.

He denied murder after initially telling police an animal ran out in front of the car, forcing him to lose control. He later told the jury he had an altercation with his passenger.

Whittle now faces a life sentence after being convicted on Tuesday of Hastings’ murder.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said the jury at Chelmsford Crown Court were told Whittle’s car ran over Natalie at 12.12am on 15 January last year in Queensway, Hemel Hempstead.

“The court heard how Whittle had intentionally driven a vehicle at Natalie, intending to kill her,” he said. “In the moments before the collision, he had shouted verbal abuse at Natalie and she had attempted to run to safety.

“Whittle was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder.

“During Whittle’s police interview, he was aggressive towards officers and detention staff, removing his prosthetic leg and throwing it at officers. He also caused criminal damage to a wheelchair that had been provided for him. Whittle was consequently charged with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage to police property.”

The jury heard the pair had shared a flat in the previous year before there was an argument and accusations of theft towards Whittle, who was asked to leave.

Detective constable Heidi Kerlin said: “Whittle’s actions on that day are horrific. Witnesses reported him as waving his crutch to prevent people from helping Natalie. He didn’t call for assistance or attempt to treat her – instead, he simply walked away.

“I would like to thank the many witnesses who have helped police throughout the investigation to ensure that Natalie’s family received justice.

“My thoughts are with Natalie’s family and friends and although nothing can help to ease the pain of Natalie’s untimely death, I hope that this verdict brings them some closure.”

Natalie’s family said: “We would like to thank those involved in bringing legal justice for Natalie. As a family this is not our final chapter of her tragic death, but at least now we can try to endure the challenge of rebuilding our lives. She can finally rest in peace.”