THE search for the killer of pensioner James Mulligan has ended, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said last night.

The announcement comes just a day after Christopher Eade was found not guilty, at Leeds Crown Court, of causing the 73-year-old's death by dangerous driving.

Mr Eade was in an H-registered Ford Sierra car, with friend Robert Webber, when it hit Mr Mulligan as he waited for a bus in Albion Street, Gateshead, in May 2002. He died from heart failure caused by his injuries as he arrived at hospital.

Both Mr Eade and Mr Webber insisted the other was behind the wheel when the Sierra hit Mr Mulligan, who lived in the Windy Nook area of Gateshead.

The CPS confirmed that after Mr Eade's acquittal, it did not intend to charge Mr Webber in connection with the incident.