Tilney All Saints trial ends with Wisbech man Lawrence Manning Jnr found not guilty and jury unable to reach Lawrence Manning Snr verdicts

The trial over a father and son’s involvement in a village feud has come to a close - with the son cleared of two serious charges.

Lawrence David Manning, 50, of Seadyke Bank in Wisbech, and Lawrence Manning, 26,of Garden Lane in Wisbech St Mary, have both testified throughout proceedings at Lynn Crown Court during the past two weeks.

The case followed an incident in Tilney All Saints on August 16 which involved a truck being driven into a Glebe Estate property, a man being hospitalised and petrol bombs being thrown.

And yesterday (Monday) Manning Jnr was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and damaging property while being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He had pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to number 32 Glebe Estate – the property he reversed his father’s truck into.

Manning Jnr’s sentencing was adjourned pending a pre-sentence report - with a date to be set - and he was released on bail with the condition of continuing to reside at his current Wisbech St Mary address.

Jurors found Manning Snr guilty of dangerous driving.

However, they were unable to reach unanimous verdicts on his charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Prosecutors, who were led by barrister Simon Connolly throughout the trial, were given seven days from yesterday to determine whether to proceed with a re-trial of Manning Snr or drop the charges.

Both father and son embraced in the dock following Manning Jnr’s not guilty verdicts being delivered. The jury was discharged following their inability to reach further verdicts on Manning Snr.