Three men jailed for their part in man's death

Tuesday, 20 December 2016 18:00

Three men were sentenced yesterday, at Manchester Crown Court, after being convicted of the manslaughter of James Ray.

Patrick John McDonagh, Patrick Joseph Cawley & Martin Patrick Ward Jnr were all found guilty and will serve a combined prison sentence of over 28 years.

On the 12^th November 2015, delivery driver James Ray, made a stop at the Plantation Industrial Estate as part of his work route when Cawley and McDonagh forced their way into his van.

The precise circumstances leading to his death have never been established, however it is believed that James fell out of the back door of the van as it was being stolen and driven away, causing the injuries which proved to be fatal.

Mr Ray was found sometime later and taken to hospital where he tragically died in the early hours of the 13^th November 2015, on what would have been his 70th birthday.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Crewe of Greater Manchester Police said: “This has been a very complex investigation, involving numerous offenders involved in a variety of offences but I am pleased to say that these men have finally been brought to justice. Although it won’t bring James back, I hope the sentence passed today will bring his loved ones some form of closure and help them rebuild their lives.”

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