A man who deliberately drove his 4x4 over another man's head in East Sussex has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years.
Kyle Dumble, 27, was sentenced for murdering Jack Field, 24, by crushing him under the wheels of a Mitsubishi Shogun in Hailsham.
The attack took place in November 2023 as Field was walking home from birthday celebrations.
Hove Crown Court heard how Dumble carried out the killing as "an act of revenge" against the victim.
Dumble reversed his vehicle into Field, knocking him to the ground
Sussex Police
The court heard Dumble was travelling with his friend Jimmy Stonestreet to buy cocaine when the confrontation began.
The incident started after Stonestreet shouted "What are you looking at?" at Field's group, which lead to a fight.
Dumble then reversed his vehicle into Field, knocking him to the ground.
Witnesses described hearing a popping sound as Dumble leaned out of his window to check behind him before deliberately reversing over Field's head, killing him instantly.
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Following the murder, Dumble boasted to a female friend: "Man thought he was a bad boy, I showed him I'm a bad boy."
The defendant refused to give evidence during his trial at Hove Crown Court.
After nearly 16 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a majority verdict of 10 to two, finding Dumble guilty of murder.
He was also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to another member of Field's group.
Judge Jeremy Gold said Dumble's actions were not premeditated but represented "an act of revenge against the group for what had just occurred."
The judge noted: "All he had to do to avoid the risk of further confrontation was drive away, but he decided instead to use the car as a weapon."
Experts dismissed Dumble's defence that a faulty automatic gearbox had caused the Shogun to slip into reverse.
Prosecutor Tana Adkin KC told the court Field was murdered "in an act of pure anger, retaliation and revenge."
Hove Crown Court heard how Dumble carried out the killing as "an act of revenge" against the victim
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In a statement, Field's family described him as "a loving son, brother and friend" who was "the most selfless, respectful gentleman."
"He was everyone's best friend, role model and hero. He will never be able to be replaced and has left a gaping hole which will never be filled," they said.
The family added: "Darling Jack, we love you so much, goodbye for now baby boy. Although nothing can bring Jack back, we are pleased [Mr Dumble] has got the justice he deserves."
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell of Sussex Police said: "This was a senseless, seemingly unprovoked act of violence that has robbed a young man of his life."
He was sentenced to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 17 years for the murder of Field, less the 431 days he had already spent in custody.
He was also given a concurrent six years in prison for attempted grievous bodily harm and a concurrent six months for driving while disqualified.
He was also banned from driving for ten years and ordered to pay £500 for driving without insurance.
The court heard Dumble had been diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities, with his defence citing anger management issues and "genuine remorse".
