Home / Crime and Justice / Man on Trial Claims He Only Meant to 'Scare' Victim
Man on Trial Claims He Only Meant to 'Scare' Victim
11 Nov
Summary
- Defendant claims he acted in self-defense with a hammer.
- Victim was fatally rammed by a car into a shop.
- Accused stated he felt 'physically sick' about the death.
Logan Anderson, 19, testified at Teesside Crown Court, stating he felt "physically sick" about the death of Daniel Ambler, who was killed in a car-driven incident. Anderson claimed he acted in self-defense when he hit Ambler with a hammer before the fatal crash.
Ashton Anderson, 20, previously told jurors he intended only to "scare" Daniel Ambler when he drove his Nissan X-Trail at him on January 15, 2026, at a Seaham petrol station. The court heard Ambler was rammed into a shop, with a metal shard from shelves piercing his neck and causing his death.
Logan Anderson described a history of incidents between the families, including smashed and burned cars, and a stabbing. He admitted to social media threats, aiming to appear tough and protect his family who he felt were easy targets.
He stated he went to Seaham after being informed of a sighting of one of the Ambler brothers. His father wanted to retrieve stolen car keys from the victim. Logan Anderson said he chased Ambler, who then produced a hammer. Anderson claimed he punched Ambler, wrestled the hammer away, and struck him multiple times, believing he needed to use it to prevent harm to himself and others.
