Man killed dad-of-six 45 minutes after police had arrested him at home
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAn unlicensed driver mowed down a man after police abandoned the dad-of-six barefoot three miles away from his home. Gareth Roper, 35, was killed by Jamie Evans in the horror crash on Lily Lane, in Bamfurlong, Wigan, in the early hours of New Year's Day 2022.
Police had earlier visited Mr Roper's home after receiving a call from his wife, who reported that her husband was 'acting somewhat strangely'.
She told police she had six children at home in bed with Covid. Sara Haque, prosecuting, said Mr Roper was taken from the address by police but de-arrested nine minutes later and left barefoot outside the Iceland store in Platt Bridge - three miles from his home, without money or a mobile phone. READ MORE: 'The north was promised the earth, but could be let down once again - it's madness' READ MORE: Click here for today's top Manchester Evening News stories The court heard the officers who left Mr Roper are still under investigation.
He was captured on CCTV footage moments before the deadly crash walking down Lily Lane towards his home address. In the footage he is seen whistling and clapping while walking barefoot on the double painted white lines in the middle of the road with his jumper tied around his waist.
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