Man found guilty of murder in Little Clacton to be sentenced
41-year-old Dean Clark died after being hit by a van
A man who murdered his friend by running him over in Little Clacton will be sentenced today (26 March).
Dean Clark and Craig Garton had been drinking in The Blacksmith Arms pub on 7 February last year when they got into an argument and were later kicked out.
Garton then got into his van, a grey Ford Transit, and drove at 41 year-old Dean.
The court was told he reversed over Dean after initially missing, before driving off and dragging him down the road.
Dean Clark died at the scene.
Garton, 42, of Upper Branston Road, Clacton, was arrested a short time later and said to officers while in custody: "I went out for a few drinks and ended up killing my mate."
A breath test showed he was over the drink drive limit.
A post-mortem examination showed that Dean, who was described by his partner as a ‘kind, caring man’ had sustained traumatic chest injuries.
Garton was charged with murder and while he denied the charge, he was found guilty on 10 March following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
He is due to be sentenced at the same court today (26 March).