A38 Murder Trial: Three men convicted of the death of Ivybridge man

Three men have been convicted of killing a member of a rival motorcycle gang after a trial in Plymouth. 

Benjamin Parry, 42, was driving a van that struck Ivybridge man David Crawford, 59, and killed him while he was riding his motorcycle on the St Budeaux slip road on the A38 on 12 May. 

Chad Brading, 36, and Thomas Pawley, 32, were in a car nearby and were accused of communicating with Parry in the lead up to the crash.  

All three were charged with murder but were convicted of manslaughter. 

L-R: Thomas Pawley, Benjamin Parry and Chad Brading - credit Devon and Cornwall Police 

The three men were all members of the Plymouth chapter of the Bandidos motorbike group, while Mr Crawford was a member of the Red Chiefs. 

David Crawford was on his way home in Ivybridge after Plymouth Bike Night when the crash happened, and after the collision, Mr Crawford's body was trapped under the van before Parry turned off at the next slip road. He died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. 

Parry, Brading and Pawley were all members of the now defunct Plymouth Bandidos motor bike club chapter.

The BBC has reported that the number plate of the van that Parry was driving "had come off" and officers "went to Parry's home address and arrested him less than two hours later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving".

When questioned by police, he said in a statement: "I only intended to bump the back of his bike. When I realised I had knocked him off the bike I panicked and drove on."

Parry was found not guilty of murder and had previously admitted manslaughter. Brading and Parry, both from Plymouth, were also convicted of the alternative charge of manslaughter.

They will be sentenced in January.