A father described as a “loving family man” was intentionally struck and fatally injured by a van driver in front of his daughter following a heated altercation on the road, a court was told. The incident took place in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where Andrew Robson, 33, allegedly directed his Ford Transit van towards Paul Bowles, 50, on March 26. The court heard that both men exited their vehicles after stopping at traffic lights moments before the tragic event occurred.
Mr. Bowles, accompanied by his 19-year-old daughter Katie-May, was driving home on Broadway, Chadderton, when they observed a white van driving closely to their Nissan Qashqai. According to Gordon Cole KC, the prosecutor, Robson fled the scene after colliding with the victim and turned himself in to the authorities just over four hours later.
Witnesses reported that an argument ensued between the two men, commonly known as road rage, leading to a physical altercation before Robson returned to his van. It is alleged that Robson then deliberately veered his van towards Bowles, striking him with full awareness of his actions, before driving away. Tragically, despite the efforts of paramedics and law enforcement, Mr. Bowles succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
In a statement released by the Greater Manchester Police, Mr. Bowles was portrayed as a compassionate and selfless individual, cherished by his family and friends for his intellect, wit, and kindness. The prosecution informed the jury that expert analysis of the incident indicated that Robson had sufficient time to perceive Bowles and that the collision was a deliberate act.
Robson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and manslaughter, with the trial expected to span approximately two weeks.