Richard Littler KC and Daniel Travers secure murder and manslaughter acquittal after three-week trial

July 7, 2025

Richard Littler KC from Exchange Chambers, leading Daniel Travers, has secured a murder and manslaughter acquittal for his client after a three-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

The case concerned the death of a man outside a Blackburn pub. Kirk Marsden died from internal injuries after being struck by the vehicle outside the Gate Street Bar and Grill on Christmas Day, after a row broke out about a gold bracelet.

Thomas Ward, 58, represented by Richard Littler KC and Daniel Travers, was cleared of murder and manslaughter. The Defence case was that Thomas Ward was not party to a joint enterprise and was not encouraging the actions of others.

James Ward, 26, who was at the wheel when the car struck Mr Marsden was cleared of murder. After 17 hours of deliberations the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the charge of manslaughter. Consideration will now be given as to whether he is retried on the manslaughter charge in due course.  The other defendant in the case, Michael O’Neill, 35, was also cleared of murder and manslaughter.

Richard Littler KC and Daniel Travers were instructed by Dysons Solicitors.