Driver killed Rushden man in car park after losing his temper, court hears

A 60-year-old Rushden man suffered a fatal head injury after he was run over by a car driven by a man who had lost his temper, a court heard
Lorenzo Gallucci died after being involved in a collision with a car in Splash car park in RushdenLorenzo Gallucci died after being involved in a collision with a car in Splash car park in Rushden
Lorenzo Gallucci died after being involved in a collision with a car in Splash car park in Rushden

A trial has started at Northampton Crown Court in the case of Mohammed Hirsi who is accused of killing Lorenzo Gallucci in Splash swimming pool car park in Station Road, Rushden.

The court heard that Hirsi and Mr Gallucci, also known as Spud, were both at the Rushden Old Band Club on September 20, 2014.

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Andrew Copeland, prosecuting, said Hirsi was the partner of a friend of the girl who was hosting an 18th birthday party in the function room upstairs. Mr Gallucci was in the member’s room downstairs.

Flowers left in memory of Lorenzo Gallucci in the Splash car park in RushdenFlowers left in memory of Lorenzo Gallucci in the Splash car park in Rushden
Flowers left in memory of Lorenzo Gallucci in the Splash car park in Rushden

Hirsi, who is also accused of affray and damaging a motor vehicle, is alleged to have become involved in a confrontation with a man as he was leaving the club shortly after midnight.

Mr Copeland said Hirsi became involved in a “stand off” with the man after they both bumped shoulders.

The court heard that the man’s mother then turned up in a Volkswagen Passat, which she parked on Station Road outside the club, to pick up her son, husband and brother, who was Mr Gallucci.

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Mr Copeland said the jury was likely to hear evidence that “swearing, obscenities and remarks” were made between the two men before Hirsi then walked to his car and picked out a metal bar out of his boot.

Flowers left in memory of Lorenzo Gallucci in the Splash car park in RushdenFlowers left in memory of Lorenzo Gallucci in the Splash car park in Rushden
Flowers left in memory of Lorenzo Gallucci in the Splash car park in Rushden

After returning to the front of the club, Hirsi is alleged to have used the metal bar to smash the back window of the Passat.

Mr Copeland said: “The man who Hirsi had the altercation with was sat in the front of the car with his mum and posed no threat to him.

“There was a red mist that clouded his judgement. He sought this act of violence, the criminal damage to the car, as a form of revenge.”

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The court heard that, part of the metal pole was then dropped on the floor, and Hirsi returned to his car in the Splash car park.

Mr Copeland said a number of people, including Mr Gallucci, then followed Hirsi into the car park “wanting to have words with him” as to why he damaged the car.

It is alleged that Hirsi then got into his car, reversed it out of the parking space, and then deliberately drove towards Mr Gallucci and another man who were both knocked over.

The court heard that witnesses stated Mr Gallucci was knocked backwards 10 feet, causing a fatal head injury.

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Mr Copeland said it was the prosecution’s case that Hirsi’s Renault Megane had been used as a “weapon” to deliberately cause harm.

He said: “Hirsi did not put his car in the direction of the exit ramp. He did not manoeuvre his car safely.

“Witnesses will describe high revving of the engine and tyres squealing as he drove forward.”

The court heard that Hirsi then drive away from the scene and returned to London with his girlfriend.

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Mr Gallucci, who was rushed to hospital, died as the result of the injuries he sustained in the collision with the car at 6.25pm on September 21, 2014.

Hirsi, of Camden, London, was arrested on the next day and gave a series of ‘no comment’ interviews to police.

He was later charged with manslaughter, affray and damaging a Volkswagen Passet. He denies all the charges. The trial continues.