6 days ago
Man acquitted of murder to be re-tried on manslaughter charge
A man who was found not guilty of murdering a Blackburn dad over Christmas will face a re-trial on a manslaughter charge later this year.
James Ward, 26, was found not guilty of murdering Kirk Marsden alongside co-defendants Michael O'Neill, 35, and Thomas Ward, 58, following a trial at Preston Crown Court in June.
Mr O'Neill and Thomas Ward were also found not guilty of manslaughter, but the jury were unable to agree on a verdict on this charge in respect of James Ward.
He was remanded back into custody following the conclusion of that trial while a decision was made about a re-trial.
The Crown Prosecution Service has now confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph that a re-trial is scheduled for November 17.
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Mr Marsden, 37, died on Boxing Day at Royal Preston Hospital, having been struck by a car, driven by James Ward, 26, outside The Gate Bar and Grill in Moorgate Street on Christmas Day last year.
Mr Marsden suffered fractures to his spine, pelvis, and ribs, as well as heavy internal bleeding, after being run down by the silver Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle.
The previous trial heard that James Ward was behind the wheel of the car at the time it struck Mr Marsden.
James Ward's defence was that he swerved to avoid an object that was thrown towards the car, and he did not see Mr Marsden in the road.
Thomas Ward was in the back of the car while Michael O'Neill was not in the car at the time of the impact.
The trial will again be heard at Preston Crown Court.
