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From the
http://www.dailymail.co.uk By SIMON TOMLINSON. 13 November 2012
SAVED BY HIS BEER BELLY
A 22st pub landlord who was run down by thugs for trying to stop an
alleged drugs deal was saved from potentially life-threatening injuries
thanks to his beer belly, doctors have said.
Tony Morgan, 44, the licensee of the Poachers Pocket in Chatham,
Kent, was struck down when he confronted the crooks in his car park.
Shocking CCTV shows the moment the suspects smashed their grey
Peugeot 307 into the father-of-three, catapulting him 15ft into the air.
'I'm not having that!' This image from a CCTV camera shows pub landlord
Tony Morgan (circled) confronting thugs who he suspected were trying to
carry out a drugs deal in his car park.
Mr Morgan had to be treated for broken ribs at Medway Maritime Hospital,
where doctors told him he was saved by his beer belly.
Medics said the former boxer's excess body fat and muscle provided
'padding' which helped cushion his bones and vital organs from the
impact.
Doctors said a skinnier man would have been much more seriously hurt.
In CCTV issued by Kent Police, Tony can be seen approaching the driver's
door and arguing with the alleged dealer.
Shockingly, the driver punches Mr Morgan through the window and attempts
to speed off - with Mr Morgan still clinging onto the car.
But the driver then suddenly reverses - smashing into Mr Morgan -
sending him flying through the air.
Impact: The driver then suddenly reverses into Mr Morgan, sending him
flying 15ft through the air.
Hospitalised: The father-of three suffered crack ribs and bruising after
landing on the concrete.
The car, believed to be a hire vehicle from a London firm, was then
driven off at high speed as Mr Morgan lies slumped on the ground.
Mr Morgan, who has run the pub for 13 years with wife Lorraine, 45,
said: 'I said "that's a drug deal, I'm not having that".
'I approached as the passenger got out and said "don't come here to buy
your drugs, do it somewhere else".
'I heard the wheels spinning and the next thing I knew I was up in the
air. It knocked me 15 or 20 feet across the car park.
'I suffered bruising and a few cracked ribs. The doctors said I was
lucky - if I had been a smaller guy things would've been a lot worse.
'Doctors said because of my size and extra weight I have more protection
for my vital organs and bones.
'I have a bit more padding then the average man which meant my bones and
organ where cushioned from the impact.
'I have caught people doing drug deals before. People say I should leave
it to the police but I can't just leave it.
'I would do the same again. This is my business for my customers who
want to come here and enjoy themselves.'
The car, believed to be a hire vehicle from a London firm, was then
driven off at high speed down Walderslade Road towards Chatham, Kent.
The driver is described as black, in his mid-20s, of slim build with
black short hair and a thin moustache.
He was wearing a green checked shirt and spoke with a West Indian
accent. There was also another man in the passenger seat.
The incident happened at about 12.45pm on Saturday, September 29.
Kent Police are appealing for witnesses and are particularly keen to
speak to the man who was in the passenger seat.
DC Mark Silk said: 'This is a serious incident where the injuries could
have been a great deal worse.
'Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence and we are
interested in speaking to a white man in a brown tracksuit who left the
vehicle prior to the incident.'
A 21-year-old man from Peckham was arrested following the attack and was
due to answer bail today.
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