Two men have been sentenced to over 14 years in prison after deliberately hitting an NHS worker with their car in a racially motivated attack, leaving him severely injured. Katungua Tjitendero, also known as KDogg KT, was targeted by the pair as he was leaving his shift at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in July 2020.
The incident saw the 25-year-old pinned between the vehicle and a garden wall, with the assailants fleeing the scene after racially abusing him. Members of the public came to Mr Tjitendero’s aid before he was rushed to the same hospital he had just finished working at. His colleagues, shocked by the attack, stayed on to assist in his treatment.
After more than four years, Phillip Adams, 26, and Patrick James, 22, were found guilty of conspiring to inflict grievous bodily harm on Mr Tjitendero. Adams, believed to be the driver, was sentenced to six years in prison in his absence, having fled to Dubai before the trial. James received a sentence of eight years and six months for his involvement in the attack.
Additionally, James was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm in another incident involving cyclist Julian Ford in Avonmouth, Bristol. The attacks occurred during the early months of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, with Judge Moira Macmillan describing the assault on Mr Tjitendero as unprovoked.
The court heard that the assailants had targeted Mr Tjitendero intentionally, driving past him before looping back and striking him at low speed. Following the attack, Adams and James were seen celebrating and gesturing to each other, displaying a thumbs-up sign.
Mr Tjitendero suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured fibula, nose, and lacerations, requiring surgery and extensive care from his family. His mother, Hivaka Tjitendero, who also worked at the hospital, and stepfather, Eddie Briggs, provided support during his recovery.
In a statement read to the court, Mr Tjitendero expressed his confusion over the motive behind the attack and stated that he refuses to let it define him. Tragically, Mr Briggs, who had been campaigning for justice for the attack, passed away from a heart attack in February 2024, which his family believes was linked to the stress caused by the incident.
Following the sentencing, Ms Tjitendero expressed gratitude to those who aided her son, as well as to the authorities and support groups involved. She highlighted the impact of the attack on their family and community but affirmed their resilience and love for Bristol.
In conclusion, she stated, “We love our lives, we love each other, and we love living in Bristol… We will bounce back.” The family remains committed to moving forward despite the trauma inflicted upon Mr Tjitendero, with a sense of defiance against hate and bigotry.