STUBBS CLEARED BY JURY (From Warrington Guardian)

STUBBS CLEARED BY JURY

JOHN Stubbs has been cleared of any blame for the death of David Parsonage.

The jury at Chester Crown Court found Stubbs not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving on Wednesday, following more than 13 hours of deliberation.

They gave a similar verdict on charges of murder and manslaughter on Tuesday.

Stubbs, of Royle Street, Northwich, broke down in the dock when the jury gave its decision, by majority, shortly after 2.15pm.

His mum and dad, who have been present throughout the two-week trial, hugged each other and smiled when he turned around to acknowledge them.

Friends and family of David Parsonage sat in stunned silence.

David's former wife Amanda and his son Ben were not present for the final verdict, but they released a statement soon after.

It read: "David was a very loving father to Ben, who he will now never see grow up.

"We miss him terribly and the simple things such as birthdays, Christmas and David simply being there for us.

"His death has left a great void of emptiness in our lives and those of his brothers and sisters which can never be filled again.

"We have tried to maintain our dignity throughout the investigation and court case even though it has been a very hard time for us."

For the full story see next week's Guardian.