Man found guilty for 'horrific' Christmas murder

A man has been convicted of manslaughter after intentionally attempting to run over another man outside a pub in Lancashire on Christmas Day, later reversing over him in a violent attack.

The victim, 37-year-old Kirk Marsden, was struck outside The Gate Bar and Grill at the corner of Moorgate Street, Blackburn, shortly after 16:45 GMT on 25 December 2024. He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital and succumbed to severe internal injuries the following day.

James Ward, 58, of no fixed address, was found guilty of manslaughter at Preston Crown Court after a two-week trial. The jury reached a unanimous verdict. Ward remains in custody and is due for sentencing on 6 March.

The events began after Mr. Marsden was involved in an argument with Ward and others, during which one person sustained an injury to the lip and tooth. Ward and his associates then went outside in a 4x4 vehicle. Initially, Mr. Marsden avoided being hit, but Ward later drove the vehicle into him, then reversed over him, resulting in fatal injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Bryony Midgley of Lancashire Police commented: "Ward escalated the situation to a shocking level of violence, leaving witnesses horrified. What should have been a quiet Christmas drink ended tragically, and Kirk never returned to his family because of senseless aggression. Behavior like this is unacceptable, and justice has now been served."

After the initial confrontation, Ward and his group left the pub on Livesey Branch Road and got into a Toyota Landcruiser parked outside on Moorgate Street. Ward encouraged the driver to target Mr. Marsden, who narrowly escaped. Later, Ward drove the Landcruiser directly at Mr. Marsden and then reversed over him. Following this, Ward and his associate switched vehicles and briefly stopped near Mr. Marsden before driving off again.

The incident has shocked the local community and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent actions in public spaces.

Author: Sophia Brooks