Man chased to his death case: Accident was 'unavoidable'

Oct 9 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FORMER Huddersfield man Francis Conway was looking agitated in the hours leading up to his death, a witness said.

The young dad, who died after being hit by a truck as he allegedly fled an armed gang, was spotted pacing up and down a Bradford street shortly before his death.

A resident said Mr Conway looked unsure about whether to approach a nearby car, which is alleged to have contained the three defendants accused of his manslaughter.

Hours later Mr Conway, 33, formerly of Berry Brow, was hit by a recovery truck as he ran away from the three men.

A road accident investigator for West Yorkshire Police told the court the collision between Mr Conway and the truck was “unavoidable”.

Caleb Coleman, 21, Wayne Lee, 22, and 18-year-old Jamie Nichols are all appearing before Bradford Crown Court charged with the manslaughter of Mr Conway. The Bradford men all deny the charge.