Petrol station murder was over feud, court hears
SuppliedA man was chased before being run over and killed by a car on a petrol station forecourt as part of a violent feud between two families, a court heard.
Daniel Ambler, 23, was crushed to death in January when he was thrown on to the bonnet of the car which then crashed into the petrol station's shop in Seaham, County Durham.
Barry Anderson, 52, and his sons Ashton, 20, and Logan, 19, deny murder. Two 18-year-olds, Tyler Leadbetter and Ajay Henry, also deny murder.
Teesside Crown Court heard Ambler had been standing at a bus stop when the attack was started by Barry and Logan Anderson.
The jury heard after being assaulted and injured Ambler got up and ran on to a petrol station forecourt where a Nissan car was "deliberately" driven into him - killing him instantly.
Prosecutor Matthew Donkin KC said Ambler was "deliberately targeted by them for reasons relating to an ongoing feud, a dispute that had become violent between two families".
"All intended Daniel Ambler to be the victim of a serious violent attack," he said. "They were determined and the attack continued until he was dead."
'Worked as team'
The prosecutor said the car was driven by Ashton Anderson, with Leadbetter and Henry his passengers while Barry and Logan Anderson were nearby on foot.
Donkin said the prosecution's case was that they committed the crime jointly and were equally guilty.
"They worked as a team. Those on foot were part of the attack just as much as those in the car even though it was Ashton who drove the car," he said.
The jury was played CCTV footage from the Esso Asda Express garage which showed the moment the car struck Ambler on 15 January.
It was alleged the ongoing feud involved an incident in August 2025 in which Barry Anderson was stabbed in the stomach.
The Anderson family believed one of those responsible was Ambler's brother David.
Ashton Anderson has admitted a separate count of violent disorder. The other four defendants deny that charge.
The trial continues.
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