A father and son have been jailed after orchestrating a brutal hit-and-run that killed a 60-year-old man and seriously injured three others. The motive, prosecutors said, was revenge following an earlier altercation involving the son and the victims.
Martin Breeze, 57, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 32 years after being found guilty of murder and four counts of attempted murder. His son, Shaun Breeze, 29, received a 16-year sentence for manslaughter and three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent.
The attack took place in February 2023 in the quiet town of Ingleby Barwick, North Yorkshire, shocking the community and prompting calls for awareness of escalating violent retaliation in public disputes.
A Walk That Turned Deadly
Brian Darby, a father and respected project manager at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), was out with friends on the evening of February 9 after visiting the local 3 Rivers Bar. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the group encountered Shaun Breeze, who was riding his bicycle through the area.
An argument reportedly broke out when Breeze cycled through the group. Feeling outnumbered, he left the scene and contacted his father, Martin, who was at a nearby pub.
According to court testimony, Martin Breeze then drove to his son’s location in a Citroen Berlingo van. Intoxicated by alcohol and drugs, he deliberately drove into the group of men as they walked along Myton Way.
Brian Darby was dragged for over 150 meters. He died at the scene from catastrophic injuries. Three other men suffered serious injuries including multiple fractures and brain trauma.
Courtroom Shocker: “A Premeditated Act”
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, prosecutors labeled the attack as “premeditated” and “driven by revenge.” CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts indicated that Martin had a clear line of sight and opportunity to avoid the group but chose not to.
Judge Howard Crowson, in delivering the sentence, said:
“You used your vehicle as a weapon. You saw the group and, with chilling intent, accelerated into them, knowing full well the harm it would cause.”
Both men attempted to evade justice by reporting the van as stolen, but investigators uncovered inconsistencies in their statements. Their attempts to destroy evidence and mislead authorities led to additional charges for perverting the course of justice.
Victims and Families Speak
Brian Darby’s daughter, Kayleigh Chapman, addressed the court with an emotional victim impact statement.
“He was kind, supportive, and adored by our family. The loss is immeasurable. This was not an accident — it was a deliberate act of violence,” she said.
Kelly Jordan, another victim of the attack, described how her injuries have changed her life permanently.
I can’t walk my dog, go to the gym, or even sleep properly anymore. I feel like a part of my life has been stolen,” she told the court.
A Town Left in Shock
Ingleby Barwick, known for its quiet suburban atmosphere, was shaken by the nature of the crime. Local councillors called it an “unthinkable act” and praised the efforts of the emergency services and investigators.
North Yorkshire Police, in a public statement, said:
“This was a horrific and deliberate act of violence. Our officers worked tirelessly to secure justice for Mr. Darby and the other victims.”
You can read the full police report here via the North Yorkshire Police official website.
Addressing Vehicular Violence
This case is a grim reminder of the rising incidents where vehicles are used intentionally to harm. According to the UK’s Department for Transport, 2022 saw over 130 reported cases of pedestrians being deliberately targeted by vehicles, a number that’s risen year over year.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) emphasizes that such acts are considered “weapons offences” when intent is proven. You can learn more about prosecuting dangerous driving cases on the CPS website.
What Comes Next
With both perpetrators behind bars, the community continues to mourn the loss of Brian Darby while reflecting on how quickly conflict can escalate to tragedy.
Brian’s colleagues at RSPB have launched a local conservation initiative in his memory, focusing on the walking trail near where he lost his life.
“He loved nature and walking. It’s fitting we honor him this way,” said a spokesperson for the charity.
