According to testimony given at Newcastle Crown Court, Ian Anderson had been in a relationship with a man for seven years, but they had broken up in 12/2024, just one month before the incident occurred.
Court records show Anderson told police he became enraged after learning his ex-partner had sent travel flyers to a mutual friend and sought favors from other acquaintances. This perceived slight fueled his actions.
On 21/1/2025, Anderson stole an 18-tonne bus from the company where he worked as a parking lot attendant. He then removed the dashcam from the vehicle, likely to conceal his actions, and drove towards his ex-partner's ground-floor apartment in Ashington.
Anderson's ex-partner, who was in bed, heard a vehicle horn outside the apartment. He then saw the bus waiting via surveillance camera, moments before it crashed into the building. Anderson drove the bus at high speed, causing severe damage to the apartment, including smashing the bedroom wall. He then exited the vehicle and attempted to throw broken glass from the windows at his ex-partner before fleeing the scene.
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The scene after the 18-tonne bus crashed into the apartment. Photo: Northumbria Police/PA Wire
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Ian Anderson drove the vehicle directly into his ex-partner's bedroom. Photo: Northumbria Police/PA Wire
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The exterior bedroom wall was shattered. Photo: Northumbria Police/PA Wire
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The window frame and glass were cracked after the collision. Photo: Northumbria Police/PA Wire
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Tire tracks marked the lawn in front of the building. Photo: Northumbria Police/PA Wire
The incident resulted in substantial financial losses. Anderson caused an estimated GBP 23,834 in damage to the apartment building. Including vehicle losses and other associated costs, the total damage from the incident amounted to GBP 46,000, which is over 1,6 billion VND.
The judge presiding over the case described Anderson's actions as "irresponsible, foolish, and ridiculously childish". In mitigation, Anderson stated he had no intention of harming anyone physically, only wanting to "humiliate" his ex-partner.
Anderson pleaded guilty to three charges: unlawfully taking a vehicle, causing property damage, and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, considering Anderson's previously good character, the judge suspended the sentence for two years, meaning he will not serve jail time unless he commits another offense during this period.
As part of his sentence, Anderson was ordered to pay GBP 2,000 in compensation. These payments must be made monthly at GBP 20, divided equally between the bus company, whose vehicle he stole, and the housing company, which owns the damaged apartment.
Furthermore, Anderson must comply with a six-month mental health treatment program. He is also prohibited from contacting his ex-partner and is banned from driving for two years, reflecting the serious nature of his dangerous driving offense.
Tue Anh (according to The Sun, BBC)
