Shropshire Star

Life for ‘rage’ motorist who killed friend outside club

Jonathan Snape was found guilty of murder after driving a car at a crowd outside a club, killing his friend Nathan Marshall.

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Jonathan Snape

A man “blinded by unexplainable rage” who killed his friend when he drove his car at a crowd outside a club has been jailed for life.

On Tuesday, a jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court found Jonathan Snape, 31, guilty of the murder of Nathan Marshall, 30, in Stockport on May 27.

Snape, of Yew Tree Lane, Manchester, was also convicted of attempted murder over the incident and had earlier pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and two counts of assault.

He must serve a minimum of 24 years in custody before he can be considered for release.

Mr Marshall, 30, from Reddish, Stockport, died after Snape’s vehicle collided with a number of people outside the Salisbury Club in Truro Avenue, Brinnington.

Earlier in the day, Snape had visited pubs in Brinnington with a group of friends including Mr Marshall, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Snape became involved in a heated row with another man at the Salisbury Club which led to the defendant punching his victim in the face and then punching a woman who tried to intervene.

Outside the club, Snape got behind the wheel of a black Audi A4 car – with Mr Marshall and another friend riding as passengers – before he started driving dangerously in the direction of a woman.

Snape later chased the woman on foot who managed to lock herself inside the club before the defendant continued to fight with people outside.

Nathan Marshall
Nathan Marshall died following the incident in Stockport (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

The defendant then returned to the Audi and drove towards the gathered crowd, which by then included Mr Marshall.

Snape eventually drove off and abandoned the vehicle on the M60 motorway after he crashed into the central reservation, said GMP. Snape handed himself in the following day.

Following sentencing, Detective Inspector Andy Butterworth said: “Blinded by unexplainable rage, Jonathan Snape tried to cause as much damage as he possibly could, starting inside the club.

“Once outside he used a car to drive at a crowd of people, causing serious injuries to one man and catastrophic injuries to Nathan, which sadly resulted in his death.

“Although he may not have intentionally targeted Nathan, he clearly didn’t give a second thought about the potential consequences of his actions. I don’t know what he expected would happen when he decided to use a car as a weapon and drive at speed towards another person.”

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