Driver cleared of murder of man he knocked over

Paul Bowles was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by Robson's van

A van driver who knocked down and killed another motorist after they had fought at the side of the road has been cleared of murder.

Andrew Robson and Paul Bowles had an altercation at traffic lights at Elk Mill in Chadderton, Oldham, on 26 March.

Prosecutors had claimed Robson, 33, of Chadderton, intentionally swerved into 50-year-old Mr Bowles.

But jurors at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court found Robson not guilty both of murder and manslaughter charges.

Robson's defence team said the vehicle striking Mr Bowles had been an accident

Robson had said the collision was an accident, adding he did not see Mr Bowles or realise he had hit him while driving off.

In his closing speech, defence barrister Simon Csoka KC reminded the jury of the evidence of the prosecution's road collision expert, which said tyre marks at the scene were consistent with "torque steer".

He said such an unintentional pull to the side due to too much acceleration was a "classic accident".

Gordon Cole KC, prosecuting, said it was the Crown's case that Robson "lost his temper" and intended to inflict, at least, really serious harm to Mr Bowles.

Arrangements were later made to dispose of the van, which had never been recovered, he said.