A man who attacked his girlfriend before driving off at 50mph with her clinging for her life on the bonnet of his BMW was yesterday jailed for more than two-and-a-half years.
Ryan McEwan left Cheryl Walker lying motionless in the middle of Arklay Street and sped off – only to return as passers-by gave her first aid, shouting “you deserve it!”
He was caught on CCTV trying to haul Miss Walker from the car before repeatedly punching her on the head.
A sheriff told McEwan – who now has seven convictions for offences against Miss Walker – that his crime was “utterly terrifying”.
Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court McEwan had been out for a meal with Miss Walker and his father earlier that night.
She said: “An argument ensued as they drove away as she wanted to go home and he wanted to go to a friend’s house.
“He got out of the car with her handbag and kicked it down the street and she then locked herself in the car.
“He was then able to get back in and grabbed her repeatedly by the hair and tried to pull her out before repeatedly punching her on the head.
“She then got out and went on his bonnet trying to break the windscreen wipers.
“He drove off at speed, estimated to be between 40-50mph and braked with smoke seen coming from his brakes before continuing to drive at speed.
“She remained on the bonnet throughout but was able to throw herself off the bonnet into the roadway.
“She was not moving but was found to be conscious and breathing and in shock by passers-by.”
Miss Walker was rushed to hospital by ambulance but miraculously suffered no serious injuries.
McEwan, 25, a prisoner at Perth, pled guilty to assaulting Cheryl Walker and a charge of culpable and reckless conduct to the danger of her life committed on July 22 in Arklay Street, Dundee.
Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC jailed McEwan for two years and eight months and imposed an order supervising him upon his release for a year.
McEwan was also placed on a non-harassment order for five years.
