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More than three years after an 85-year-old woman was knocked down in Rochdale , the driver of the van that hit her was today (November 17) acquitted of causing her death.

Ruth Davenport was hit by a Mercedes Sprinter van as she crossed Rochdale Road East on March 17 2022.

The driver of the van, Ian Mitchell, stayed at the scene to assist officers. Ms Davenport tragically died of her injuries in hospital the following day.

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Mr Mitchell denied the charge of causing death by careless driving and his trial began at Manchester Crown Court last week.

After hearing closing arguments from defence barrister Michael Johnson, 53-year-old Ian Mitchell, of Victoria Terrace in Heywood, was found not guilty.

Summing up, Judge Timothy S

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