Key Points:
- Errol Woodger, 38, convicted of manslaughter and robbery at the Old Bailey
- Woodger used Marc Allen’s own Mercedes to fatally run him over in Erith, south-east London
- Victim was a 50-year-old amputee who confronted Woodger during a burglary
- Allen suffered a catastrophic head injury and died a month later
- Woodger claimed he was a passenger; jury rejected his version of events
- Sentencing scheduled for 27 June
A former British Army soldier has been found guilty of killing an amputee by using the victim’s own car to run him over as he fled the scene of a burglary in Erith, south-east London. Errol Woodger, 38, was convicted of manslaughter and robbery following a trial at the Old Bailey. The jury unanimously rejected his claims of innocence after hearing he used Marc Allen’s Mercedes GLA as a weapon during the early hours of 29 December 2019.
What led to the fatal confrontation in Erith?
Woodger had broken into a block of flats in Peareswood Road intending to steal tools and a vehicle. According to the prosecution, he was caught in the act by Marc Allen, who lived on the ground floor and had either been watching television or dozing.
Despite having a prosthetic leg due to a previous illness, Mr Allen rushed to confront the intruder, leaving one of his trainers behind in his flat. Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC told jurors that Allen would not have voluntarily handed over his keys, which were snatched before Woodger jumped into the Mercedes and started the engine.
How did the attack unfold?
Witnesses described Allen shouting “That’s my car” as he stood in the driveway. The Mercedes engine revved repeatedly before reversing quickly, possibly grazing Allen. As he stood in the road with his hands up, Woodger accelerated forward at speed, hitting Allen and throwing him over the bonnet and roof.
Neighbour Linda Rumsey recalled: “He slid down the back of the boot and his head went bang when it hit the floor. I heard his head crack – it sent a shiver through me.”
Louise Hamilton, another neighbour, rushed out to help and found Allen with a “golf ball-sized” bump on his head, additional swelling above his eye, and injuries to his chin, arms and hands. Emergency services arrived at 2.53am and transported him to King’s College Hospital, where he remained unconscious until his death on 29 January 2020.
What was Woodger’s defence?
Woodger, of Belvedere, south-east London, claimed he was not the driver of the car. He told police he was a passenger and that his now-deceased accomplice, who died from a drug overdose, had been behind the wheel.
He added that he had been assaulted by eight men in Greenwich later that same day and hospitalised for a month. While police confirmed the attack took place, it occurred 12 hours after the hit-and-run.
Prosecutor Orchard argued the assault was a targeted response from individuals at a traveller site where Woodger had driven the stolen Mercedes. “They did not need or want attention,” said Orchard. “The car needed to be hidden, as it eventually was, not paraded into the site within an hour of having been stolen.”
How was Woodger linked to the crime?
Although Woodger initially denied involvement, a police review of the case in 2023 led to his forensic connection to the vehicle. His fingerprints were found on a plastic box and a water bottle inside the car, and his DNA was discovered on a cigarette beneath the front passenger seat.
During the trial, Woodger admitted he was in the car but maintained he was not the driver. Orchard dismissed his claims as “a carefully tailored version of events in a desperate, selfish attempt to try and save his own skin”.
What did the jury decide?
The jury deliberated for seven and a half hours before returning unanimous guilty verdicts for manslaughter and robbery. Woodger applauded in the dock as he was cleared of murder.
The court also heard that Woodger had a long criminal history, including 15 prior offences such as robbery and attempted robbery.
Judge Rebecca Trowler KC remanded Woodger in custody. He will be sentenced on 27 June.
