Van Driver Jailed for Life After Running Over Mate in Pub Row
A man has been handed life imprisonment for murdering a ‘kind and caring’ friend after a drunken dispute in a pub ended in tragedy.
Pub Fight Ends in Horror
Craig Garton, 42, lost control in a fatal drama outside The Blacksmith Arms in Little Clacton on 7 February last year. After an argument with Dean Clark, 41, both men were kicked out by the landlord.
But the violence didn’t end there. Garton drove his grey Ford Transit van at Dean. Initially, Dean dodged the van, but Garton reversed and hit him on the second attempt.
The impact dragged Dean along the road. He was declared dead at the scene.
‘I Ended Up Killing My Mate’
When arrested, Garton reportedly told officers, “I went out for a few drinks and ended up killing my mate.”
Dean’s devastated family described him as someone who “always helped anyone out if he could” and said he “left a massive hole in our lives.” His partner called him “the love of my life.”
Justice Served at Chelmsford Crown Court
Despite denying murder, Garton was found guilty on 10 March after a trial. On 26 March, he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum 15-year term.
Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen from 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.”
