Andrew Wickenden Ipswich Child Killer
Andrew Wickenden Ipswich Child Killer

An attempted Ipswich Child Killer, Andrew Wickenden, involved in a collision with a toddler in Felixstowe while operating an electric unicycle down the beachfront has received a suspended sentence and a driving restriction after admitting to inflicting serious injury by reckless driving.

Authorities were summoned at 11:42 AM on Sunday, November 3, of the previous year, to investigate a collision on the Promenade involving a two-year-old toddler and an individual operating a unicycle-style electric scooter.

A two-year-old child was admitted to the hospital, where it was determined that she had sustained a fractured skull and intracranial haemorrhage. The infant is thought to have fully recovered but is still undergoing examinations to confirm the absence of any additional or lasting injuries as a consequence.

After an inquiry by law enforcement, the operator, Andrew Wickenden, 50, of Old Norwich Road, Ipswich, was charged with causing serious harm via negligent driving, operating a vehicle without insurance, and driving outside the parameters of his licence.

Testimonial evidence and CCTV footage indicated that Andrew Wickenden was operating an uninsured and unregistered electrically powered unicycle, which was prohibited for use on public roads or areas, along the promenade, while broadcasting audio through a loudspeaker.

The defendant was observed on CCTV manoeuvring around pedestrians and ascending and descending steps before colliding with a two-year-old kid on the promenade as she was playing with her family.

Given the nature of the vehicle involved, investigators consulted with the City of London Police regarding the challenges encountered concerning e-scooters.

A mechanical examination was conducted by PC Mark Carter, the Forensic Mechanical Vehicle Examiner for Suffolk and Norfolk, who determined that the vehicle was exceedingly difficult to control without proficient skills, capable of attaining high speeds over extended distances, and designed for operation on road networks in jurisdictions that allow such vehicles.

During the investigation, the defendant was called to participate in an interview and, in a prepared statement, asserted: ‘She deviated to her right and collided with me, resulting in my fall to the floor’.

Notwithstanding this, Andrew Wickenden admitted guilt to all charges at his appearance at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on 23 May.

He appeared today, Friday, 27 June, at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced to 14 weeks’ jail, suspended for 12 months. He was barred from driving for 18 months and mandated to complete 150 hours of unpaid labour over the subsequent 12 months. He was additionally mandated to remit fees amounting to £239.

In a victim impact statement that was read out in the court, the mother of the victim said: “As a parent the last thing you ever want is to hear your child is in pain and suffering, especially from something so careless and preventable. [At the hospital] she wasn’t the bubbly, energetic girl she usually is. Covered in her own sick due to the accident and head to toe in bruises and scrapes.

“Seeing my daughter in a situation that I couldn’t prevent was heartbreaking. Hearing the diagnosis of a fractured skull and brain bleed and knowing there was absolutely nothing I could do to repair it.

“Once discharged from the hospital, the stress and anxiety on my behalf grew. I couldn’t sleep without her being close to me, I endured nightmares.

“I began to be very cautious with her, I lived in a constant state of stress and panic. Our daily routine of nursery, play dates and soft play outings had to stop immediately due to the risk of further injury. She couldn’t be around other children as their actions towards her could be unpredictable. A once very active and busy child who now had to stay in the house. This resulted in a lot of confusion and sadness as she wasn’t able to enjoy what she used to.

“Once she returned to nursery, she had to wear a soft helmet. Outdoor time at nursery was also limited as there was a new play area built which she was not allowed to use. This resulted in her being upset and unsure as to why she couldn’t do what her friends were doing, something you cannot explain to a two-year-old.

“She is currently still undergoing a range of tests such as eye and hearing tests to ensure nothing has been damaged. The daily worry of what could happen as she grows is frightening, the unknown of how much this has truly affected her.

“The emotional distress we have gone through as a family in such a small amount of time is awful. A feeling me, and my children, will never forget.”

PC Will Hudson, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team based at Martlesham, was the officer in the case for the collision. He said: “This was a unique and complex investigation, due to the type of vehicle involved, which sadly should never had occurred. The victim was innocently playing with her family on the promenade, and her whole life may have changed as a result of the collision. The defendant at the time of the collision showed little remorse, and refused to answer any questions in interview.

“This collision highlights the dangers of using these types of vehicles in public spaces and the risk involved.

“This case shows the importance of knowing and following the rules around motorised vehicles and where and when they can be ridden.

“Thankfully the young victim was physically okay, but the incident had a huge emotional impact on the little girl and her family.

“Quite simply Andrew Wickenden shouldn’t have been riding this vehicle, let alone on a busy pedestrianised seaside promenade. The fact he tried to excuse himself straight after the incident was deplorable, especially against the CCTV footage of his riding manner. Hopefully Wickenden will take a long hard look at his actions on the day and realise his behaviour could have had fatal consequences.

“It is also a lesson to others that ride illegal motorised vehicles without insurance in busy pedestrian areas.

“The victim may have ongoing health implications due to the collision, and I credit the family’s support of the police with this collision.”

A/Insp Matt Dale, the senior investigating officer for the incident, added: “This was an unusual incident where a child had suffered serious injuries as a result of a lack of due care from the defendant, riding a vehicle that is not legal on our roads or public spaces.

“This matter was easily preventable and could have had resulted in a fatal outcome. This should be a lesson to any person who possesses an e-scooter, electric unicycle or similar vehicle to ensure they know the law in relation to their use and to ride them legally in suitable private spaces with due care.”


If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.