Man accused of murdering Sheffield ‘Good Samaritan’ to face trial in July

Chris Marriott pictured with his wife, Bryony, died when he was hit by a vehicle while trying to help an unconscious woman. Photograph: Family Handout/PA

A 23-year-old man accused of murdering a “Good Samaritan”, who was hit by a car in Sheffield last week while trying to help a stranger, will face trial later this year.

Chris Marriott, 46, had been trying to help a woman he saw unconscious in the street during a disturbance in the Burngreave area of Sheffield on 27 December, police have said.

As he tended to her on College Close, a car ploughed into the crowd, injuring a number of people.

Police had been called at 2.06pm after reports of disorder during what was reported to be a family party. As the call was under way, a car collided with a group of people, the police said.

Marriott was described as a good samaritan by police after the incident.

Hassan Jhangur, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield, appeared via video link before a judge at Sheffield crown court on Tuesday morning charged with murder and five counts of attempted murder.

With dark hair and a beard, he was wearing a dark sweatshirt and had a cast on his right lower arm as he sat at a desk for the appearance.

A court artist’s sketch of Hassan Jhangur, appearing via video link from HMP Doncaster. Illustration: Elizabeth Cook/PA

He spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood what the judge told him.

Judge Reeds remanded Jhangur in custody at the end of the 10-minute hearing and told him his trial would begin on 15 July, and take an estimated four weeks.

The people named in the attempted murder charges are Hasan Khan, Alison Norris, Ambreen Jhangur, Nafeesa Jhangur and Riasat Khan. Norris, a midwife, also went to help at the scene.

More than £30,000 has been raised on GoFundMe for the family of Marriott, who was described by friends as “a man who loved people”.

A message attributed to Marriott’s family, posted on the fundraiser page, says: “We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support being shown for Chris, and appreciate every comment and donation.

“Chris would be amazed (and no doubt embarrassed) at the attention his actions have generated, but would also loved to have seen how friends, neighbours and complete strangers have come together to show support for his family and help financially. Thank you so much.”