Man found guilty of murder in Little Clacton
41-year-old Dean Clark died after being hit by a van
A man who ran over his friend in Little Clacton has been convicted of murder.
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 amd 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 today (10 March) following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 26 March.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This is a tragic incident where an argument has escalated to murder.
"Dean Clark was a much-loved family man whose death has left a huge hole in the lives of his friends and family.
"A moment of drink-fuelled rage has had catastrophic consequences.
"It is clear from Garton’s actions he intended to do Dean harm, attempting to run him over once and when that failed, reversing and trying again.
"Garton now faces a life sentence.
"I want to praise the courage of Dean’s family throughout this process and while nothing can bring him back, I hope this result provides them with some justice."