Overview
- Jurors returned unanimous not‑guilty verdicts at Minshull Street Crown Court after a three‑week trial.
- Prosecutors argued Robson deliberately swerved his van into 50‑year‑old teaching assistant Paul Bowles during a confrontation at the Elk Mill roundabout in Royton.
- The defence said the impact could have been accidental, citing torque steer and Robson’s testimony that he tried to drive away because he felt frightened.
- Police have not recovered the van or any dashcam footage after others collected the vehicle, limiting available physical evidence.
- Robson surrendered to police later that night and answered no‑comment in interview, while Bowles’ family and school community voiced profound grief.