Killer cleared of murder

A shoplifter who killed a supermarket worker while trying to escape pursuit, was acquitted of murder on the judge's direction.

Mr Justice Drake told Plymouth Crown Court that the prosecution had not made out a case beyond reasonable doubt that Andrew Bray, who admits manslaughter, intended either to kill or do serious harm. The trial had been told that Bray, 24, of Plymouth, attacked 17-year-old Jonathan Roberts after the boy cornered him. Jonathan was knocked out and choked on his own vomit. Bray will be sentenced today.