A Blackburn man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of killing Kirk Marsden in a violent incident on Christmas Day 2024.
The tragic event unfolded just after 4.30pm on 25 December outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill in Blackburn. Kirk Marsden, 37, was involved in an altercation with a group that included James Ward, the defendant.
During the confrontation, one of Ward’s associates sustained injuries to his lip and tooth. Following the scuffle, Ward and his group left the pub located on Livesey Branch Road and got into a Toyota Landcruiser parked on Moorgate Street.
Initially, Ward sat in the passenger seat while another individual drove. When Kirk stepped outside, the vehicle was deliberately driven towards him. Kirk managed to avoid the first attempt, but Ward then took the driver’s seat and reversed the Landcruiser towards Kirk and a companion on the pavement.
As Kirk tried to return to the pub, Ward struck him with the 4×4 and then reversed over him. After briefly stopping to pick up an associate, Ward drove to a nearby car park on Brindle Street. The pair switched to another 4×4, returned to Moorgate Street, paused beside Kirk for six tense seconds, and then sped off.
Kirk Marsden suffered catastrophic internal injuries and sadly died the following day, Boxing Day.
James Ward, 27, formerly of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, but now with no fixed address, surrendered himself at Greenbank Police Station three days after the attack. He chose not to answer any questions.
Following a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court in November, Ward was unanimously found guilty of manslaughter and causing death while driving without insurance.
On 6 March, Judge Graham Knowles KC sentenced Ward to 13 years in prison. Ward was also banned from driving for nearly 12 years and ordered to undergo an extended driving re-test upon release.
Originally published by UKNIP.
