Two men deny involvement in a Cardiff hit and run that seriously injured two people. The trial continues.
Johnathan Newbury, 33, denies driving the car. Elliott Fiteni, 23, claims he was not even in it. The incident occurred in Cardiff on July 5th last year. The prosecutor said they targeted two men crossing the street.
Ryan Jones hurt his pelvis and foot. Abdalrhman Ali lost consciousness and suffered other injuries. Newbury testified he did not drive the car; he claims Amara Harris drove instead.
Newbury said he was at a house party earlier that night and that he smoked upstairs. Downstairs, he heard people arguing loudly. Newbury went downstairs to see the commotion.
He saw people yelling at others outside. He spoke to them but made no threats. They called him names, so he told them off. Then, he went to Fiteni’s room.
Newbury said Fiteni gave him money for drugs. He left to get them on his own and tried to buy drugs from Mr. Harris. Then he opted for balloons instead of drugs.
Newbury walked and saw no one, despite the victims being nearby. Harris drove up to him in a black car and offered Newbury a ride. A “skinny boy” exited the front seat, which allowed Newbury to get in.
Two other men were in the back. Harris drove, turning onto Dogfield Street. Newbury said it was the wrong way.
Harris said he would turn around, then he hit two men. Newbury yelled for Harris to stop, and the passengers tried to escape. Harris refused to let Newbury out until after a school.
Newbury exited at a bus stop and took a taxi back to the Airbnb. Harris then threatened Newbury’s family. Newbury told no one about the threats, staying silent with police due to fear. He denied intending to kill the victims and denied encouraging the event.
Fiteni testified he was not in the car. He said he knew nothing about the events, stating he is “not psychic.” Fiteni learned of the incident from police.
Newbury never told Fiteni about it. Fiteni said he would not stay with Newbury if he knew. He denied senseless violence. Police questioned Fiteni, who mostly stayed silent. He said he was not responsible as driver or passenger.
The prosecutor asked if Fiteni was in the car; he firmly denied it. The prosecutor said Fiteni knew what happened, and even participated. Fiteni responded that there was no evidence. The trial continues.