General · 7 March 2026
James Ward jailed 13 years for Christmas death
James Ward was convicted of manslaughter and for driving without insurance, which caused a death. He drove over Kirk Marsden outside The Gate Bar and Grill in Blackburn just after 16:45 GMT on 25 December 2024. Mr Marsden, 37, died the next day at Royal Preston Hospital from his injuries. Ward, 27, received a 13-year jail sentence following a two-week trial, with police describing his actions as a "senseless act of violence."
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs