Drunk Driver Sentenced to Life for Murder of ‘Kind’ Pub Pal
A man has been jailed for life after running over a “kind and caring” mate following a bust-up in a pub. Craig Garton, 42, will serve a minimum of 15 years for the murder of Dean Clark, 41, in Little Clacton.
Road Rage After Pub Row
The shocking incident happened on 7 February last year after a heavy drinking session at The Blacksmith Arms. After a heated argument, the pub landlord kicked both men out. But things took a deadly turn outside.
Garton drove his grey Ford Transit van at Dean. Dean dodged the first charge, but Garton reversed and struck him on the second run. Dean was dragged along the road and sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
‘I Went Out for Drinks and Killed My Mate’
When arrested, Garton told police, “I went out for a few drinks and ended up killing my mate.” He denied murder but was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 10 March.
Dean’s heartbroken family said he “always helped anyone if he could” and “left a massive hole in our lives.” His partner called him “the love of my life.”
Justice Served
Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said:
“Dean Clark’s death has had a huge impact on his friends and family and no sentence will ever bring him back. They have shown incredible courage throughout the investigation and trial, and I want to praise them for their bravery.”
“I hope this sentence represents justice for them and will help them to move forward. Craig Garton’s actions, fuelled by drink, have robbed Dean’s family of a future with him. It is clear he intended to do Dean harm. After failing to hit him once, he reversed and tried again.”
“He will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”
