Christopher Sheehan not guilty of Daniel Weyman's Bognor murder

Christopher Sheehan, 41, was on trial over the death of Daniel Weyman, 32, in Bognor.

It was claimed he had driven his car at Mr Weyman in Belmont Street in the town.

But Mr Sheehan said he did not see Mr Weyman at the side of the road, and was leaving the area as quickly as he could.

A jury at Hove Crown Court found him not guilty of murder after the incident on September 22, 2019.

Daniel Weyman with his daughter Ruby

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Weyman’s mother Debbie Weyman said: "This has been an extremely painful time for myself and my family.

"Danny was a much loved son, brother, cousin, nephew, great nephew, grandson and father, and his daughter, Ruby, will never get to know her daddy and will never get to know what an incredible loving and generous man he was.

"I will forever hold in my heart Danny. He will remain in our hearts forever and will be sorely missed by all that loved him."

Two men have been charged with murder over the death of Daniel Weyman in Bognor

Mr Weyman had been injured in the crash at 1.30am and was left bleeding heavily. Friends at the scene called an ambulance and the air ambulance was scrambled.

Sadly he died later that afternoon at Southampton General Hospital.

Sarah Vine, defending Mr Sheehan, told the jury: “The defendant was not driving at Daniel Weyman, he simply did not see him.

“His death was not the result of an attack, we ask you to consider among all things whether this was a tragic accident.”

BOGNOR HIT AND RUN BELMONY STREET.

Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Denslow said: "We undertook a complex and very thorough investigation, working with the CPS who authorised the charges after detailed consideration.

"We respect the verdict of the jury and note that the trial judge, who allowed all evidence to be put before the jury, made no criticism of the conduct of the investigation.

"There are no outstanding lines of enquiry and the investigation is closed.

"Our thoughts at the time remain with Danny's family, who we have worked to support over the past 18 months."

Two men have been charged with murder over the death of Daniel Weyman in Bognor

Hove Crown Court heard how text messages showed that Mr Sheehan, of Barnham Lane, Walberton, near Arundel, was on his way to see his son Curtis Sheehan, 19, to get drugs.

Curtis Sheehan previously admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the death of Daniel, and to possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

He faces being sentenced at a later date.