Express & Star

'Scoundrels and scroungers': Pensioner speaks out after being left for dead in hit-and-run horror

A pensioner who was left in a critical condition after a hit-and-run in Sedgley has called the culprits 'scoundrels and scroungers'.

Published

John Rudge, 78, was left for dead after the shocking incident on August 13 on Bilston Street but has made a remarkable recovery.

Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star from Russells Hall Hospital, wheelchair-bound Mr Rudge said the van driver and passenger needed to give themselves up to police.

Mr Rudge had been to the Spar store on the street before he stepped out to cross the road and was knocked over by the van.

He cracked his head on the road and suffered a concussion, with the van driver circling back to check on his condition - then speeding off.

Mr Rudge says those involved are 'scoundrels and scroungers'.

The van was dumped in Tipton and has since been recovered by police.

Because of the head injuries Mr Rudge suffered in the hit-and-run, his memories of the actual impact are a blank.

Mr Rudge, who is a familiar face around Sedgley as he walks his dog Charlie every day, said: "I decided to go down to the shop to get some lard, walked in bought it and then went outside to step off the pavement.

John Rudge, 78, pictured with his devoted dog Charlie

"I did all the procedures, looking both ways but the van must have come around the corner so fast I didn't see it.

"But after they knocked me over I've been told they drove back to look and see if I was OK and then they drove off.

"I really hope they are caught."

Mr Rudge is hoping to return home this week and said he can't wait to see 'his little friend' Charlie.

His cousin Janet Ash, 71, who has visited him in hospital every day, said she was disgusted by the actions of the van driver and passenger.

"They knew they had hit John but then they drove off - it's terrible," she said.

"You wouldn't leave a dog lying in the road if you hit it."

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