Man Jailed for 13 Years Over Christmas Day Murder in Blackburn
A man has been locked up for 13 years after being found guilty of killing Kirk Marsden in a shocking Christmas Day incident in Blackburn.
Christmas Day Horror Outside Blackburn Pub
Just after 4.30pm on Christmas Day 2024, Kirk, 37, was at The Gate Street Bar and Grill when trouble broke out. An altercation erupted between Kirk and a group that included James Ward, the future defendant.
During the scuffle, one of Ward’s mates suffered injuries to his lip and tooth. Ward and his gang then left the pub on Livesey Branch Road, hopping into a Toyota Landcruiser parked on Moorgate Street.
Brutal Attack with a 4×4
Ward first sat in the passenger seat while an associate drove. When Kirk stepped outside, the vehicle was deliberately driven at him. Luckily, Kirk dodged the first run-in.
But Ward swapped to the driver’s seat and reversed the Landcruiser towards Kirk and his companion on the pavement.
As Kirk made his way back to the pub, Ward struck him with the 4×4, then reversed back over him. After a quick stop to pick up his mate, Ward drove them to a nearby car park on Brindle Street.
The pair then switched to another 4×4, returned to Moorgate Street, stopped beside Kirk for six tense seconds, before speeding off. Kirk suffered catastrophic internal injuries and tragically died the next day on Boxing Day.
Swift Justice
James Ward, 27, formerly of New Wellington Street, Blackburn but now with no fixed address, handed himself in at Greenbank Police Station three days after the attack. He refused 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.
Today (6th March), Judge Graham Knowles KC sentenced Ward to 13 years in prison, banned him from driving for nearly 12 years, and ordered an extended driving re-test upon release.
