BUSINESSMAN'S DEATH CAUSES HEARTBREAK (From Warrington Guardian)

BUSINESSMAN'S DEATH CAUSES HEARTBREAK

DEVASTATED Jean Dale told this week of her heartbreak at shock news of the death of her business partner.

The body of Rodney Wolfe was found at the side of a country road just outside Congleton on Thursday evening.

He died from multiple injuries, which were consistent with being involved in a road traffic accident, and a Congleton woman has been charged in connection with his death.

Mr Wolfe, aged 40, was a single man, and a partner with Mrs Dale in a flower growing business at Timbersbrook on the outskirts of Congleton.

He sustained his fatal injuries as he was walking along Middle Lane on his way home to Belgrave Avenue, Congleton.

His body was found by teenager Daniel Winterton, aged 19, who lives in Middle Lane and was asked for help by a local couple who spotted something unusual at the roadside.

Julia Ann Cristini, aged 41, from Bankhouse Drive, Congleton, has been charged with causing death while driving without due care and attention and while unfit to drive through drink or drugs.

She also faces charges of failing to report an accident and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

She appeared before magistrates at Crewe on Monday, and was bailed to appear again on February 9.

"Mr Wolfe and I were partners in the nursery, but he was the mainstay of the business, which involved growing plants and flowers," said Mrs Dale, for who the tragedy comes just a month after losing her husband Colin to cancer.

She said she was ''absolutely heartbroken'' at news of Mr Wolfe's death, which she said happened as he was walking home, having missed his bus.

Daniel Winterton's mother Mae described her son's shock at the discovery of Mr Wolfe's body.

"A couple pulled into our drive in their car to ask for help after seeing something like a tree trunk at the side of the road,'' she said.

"Daniel got a torch and ran about 50 yards down the road, where he found Mr Wolfe and called a doctor. It was very traumatic for Daniel, and it has upset the whole family."

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