Man jailed for murdering friend with van in Little Clacton
It happened after an argument in a pub
A man has been jailed for a minimum of 15 years for murdering his friend after an argument in a pub in Little Clacton.
Craig Garton, aged 42, hit Dean Clark with his grey Ford Transit van after they had got into an argument while drinking in The Blacksmith Arms pub on 7 February last year.
The jury heard that after the landlord kicked both men out, Garton, of Upper Branston Road, Clacton, drove at 41 year-old Dean.
He was initially able to move out of the way, but Garton then reversed and drove at him again, this time hitting him, and dragging him along the road.
Dean was pronounced dead at the scene and Garton was arrested a short time later.
When questioned, he said to officers: "I went out for a few drinks and ended up killing my mate".
Dean’s family said in a statement that he would "always help anyone out if he could" and that he "left a massive hole in our lives".
His partner described him as "the love of my life".
A post-mortem examination found Dean sustained traumatic chest injuries.
Garton denied murder but was found guilty on 10 March following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Today (26 March) he was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 15 years, at the same court.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen, from 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."