Washington family pay tribute to 'one in a million brother, son, uncle and dad' as his hit-and-run killer is jailed

The Washington family of a man who died when he was knocked down in a hit-and-run attack following a dispute over a sandwich order have led tributes to him as his killer was jailed.

By Karon Kelly and Fiona Thompson

Published 17th Mar 2021, 14:30 BST- 2 min read

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Paul Mallaby has today, Wednesday, March 17, been sentenced to 10 years at Newcastle Crown Court after using his car as a weapon during a row with popular dad Paul Sammons.

Judge Paul Sloan QC was told how the strangers argued inside Malla’s Sizzling Snacks cafe on the Dunston Enterprise Park in Gateshead, owned by the defendant’s dad.

Paul had got into a dispute with owner over an order during a visit on September 19 last year, and he and Mallaby, who was also been in the shop, argued outside.

Paul Sammons, left, died after he was run down by Paul Mallaby, right, outside Mallaby's dad's cafe Malla’s Sizzling Snacks in Dunston. Main image copyright of Google.

Paul Sammons, left, died after he was run down by Paul Mallaby, right, outside Mallaby's dad's cafe Malla’s Sizzling Snacks in Dunston. Main image copyright of Google.

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The court heard Paul, who was with his friends and girlfriend, had been "gesticulating and goading" and threatened to shoot Mallaby, despite having no weapon, but started to walk off.

Mallaby, 37, got into his Renault Megane, driving directly into Paul.

The court heard he landed on the ground and Mallaby drove over him with all four wheels, inflicting fatal injuries, before fleeing.

Mallaby, of Primrose Gardens, Ouston, was charged with murder by police.

He denied the charge but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, with his sentence including a 10-year driving ban and extended test requirement.

After Paul’s death his family, from Washington, said he was known as ‘Sammons’ among friends and was a “one in a million brother, son, uncle and dad”.

They said: “Paul was the life and soul of any party and always lit the room up as soon as he stepped into it.

"He lived his life to the fullest and he left the world with no regrets.

"Paul would be described as being a unique individual, someone with a massive heart and a massive personality.

"He was loyal, funny, annoying and loved by many.

“He will be missed by all those who knew him and the North East have lost an amazing individual.”

Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, welcomed the sentence.

He said: “This death could easily have been avoided if both men had simply walked away from the confrontation and gone about their day.”

Five other men and one woman were arrested as part of inquiries but none of them faced any further action.

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