Leyland man Samuel Bretherton received a four-year jail sentence yesterday (Monday 20 December) after killing an e-scooter rider with his van.

At around 1pm on 11 February, Bretherton, 25, of Mellor Road, Leyland, drove his Transit van at and over 20-year-old Ben Smith in Station Road in Bamber Bridge.

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Ben, 20, suffered serious injuries and sadly died a short time later, with Bretherton driving away from the scene before being arrested later at his home address.

Read more: Electric scooter rider dies after Bamber Bridge crash as murder investigation launched

Detective Chief Insp Zoe Russo of Lancashire Police said: “Ben lost his life beneath the wheels of a vehicle driven by Samuel Bretherton.

“This was not a case of poor driving but was an act where the defendant used his vehicle causing the injuries that were to prove fatal.

“We know this is a difficult time for Ben’s loved ones, and our thoughts will remain with them for a very long time.”

Read more: Family pay tribute to man who died in Bamber Bridge crash

Bretherton was found not guilty of murder on 8 October after a week-long trial at Preston Crown Court but had previously admitted manslaughter.

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