A MAN has been cleared of killing a bookmakers’ manager during a row over a £60 bet.

Trevor Hall, 38, had denied the manslaughter of Jeffrey Hilland, 52, who died of a heart attack during a row at his shop on June 2.

Hall was due to be tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday but before the case started prosecutors accepted his guilty plea to the lesser charge of affray.

Prosecutor Christopher Knox told the court the manslaughter charge could not be proved to the required standard and was therefore dropped.

Mr Knox said the prosecution were unable to say exactly what triggered Mr Hilland’s fatal heart condition and it may have started when the men simply rowed, before Hall had acted unlawfully or dangerously by throwing a punch.

He said: “It certainly was the whole of this incident that caused the death but it cannot be said for sure it was not caused by the earlier part of the episode, before there was an unlawful act.

“From a legal point of view it is necessary we should be able to show for sure the death was caused by the part of the incident which involved the defendant acting illegally and dangerously.

“We cannot unfortunately show that to the necessary standard.

“This has been given careful and anxious consideration.

“We cannot bring a prosecution which is fatally flawed.”

Judge David Hodson said althought the case was “dreadfully tragic” and may be difficult for the public to understand, he agreed with the course that was taken.

The incident happened at Pagebet in Front Street, Pelton, County Durham, on June 2 when Mr Hilland refused to take a late bet for the 20.43 greyhound race at Romford from drunken Hall, who would have won £60 if the bet was placed.

Mr Hilland took ill during the argument that followed and died in hospital four days later.

Hall, of Hilda Terrace, Chester le Street, will be sentenced for affray on February 2.

Judge Hodson granted him conditional bail in the meantime.

But he warned: “You must clearly understand, the fact the court is ordering a presentence report and granting you bail does not indicate the nature of the sentence you will receive.

“All sentencing options, of course including custody, will be open to me when I deal with you.”

Chief Prosecutor for Durham Chris Enzor released a statment after the short hearing.

It said; “After careful review of the evidence, including detailed pathology reports, it became clear it would be impossible to prove in court exactlywhat triggered Mr Hilland’s fatal heart failure.

“For us to continue with the manslaughter prosecution we would have to be sure beyond reasonable doubt that it was the physical assault rather than the earlier argument between Hall and Mr Hilland that caused the heart failure.

“This has been understandably a very difficult time for Mr Hiland’s family and our thought are with them.”