Brother and sister jailed for stuffing kebab meat into mouth of sleeping man who later died

A brother and sister who caused a drunk football fan to choke to death when they "force-fed" him a chicken kebab as he slept have been jailed for his manslaughter.

Nicole Cavin, 24, and David Noble, 34, caused the death of David Clark, 56, by forcing chunks of meat in his mouth while travelling on a train in March 2019.

The pair have been jailed for a total of six years after a jury found them guilty of manslaughter following a two-week trial.

A court previously heard Mr Clark collapsed on the train after watching a football match between Lancaster FC and Farsley Celtic.

Medics attended and recovered kebab meat the "size of a golf ball" from Mr Clark's airway, jurors were told.

The married father boarded a Northern service train with his friend Jon Waite and had enjoyed around ten pints throughout the day, according to prosecutors.

Cavin and Noble, who had known Mr Clark for about five years, boarded the service earlier at Preston after going to Blackpool for the day with her boyfriend.

The men sat with them and, when Mr Clark fell asleep, the siblings pushed food into his mouth despite Noble having witnessed him starting to choke in a pub a month earlier.

Police and paramedics were called to Silverdale railway station shortly before 9.30pm after Mr Clark collapsed onboard.

He died at 10.10am the next day when a post mortem examination found he had choked to death.

Cavin and Noble were found guilty of manslaughter last month after a trial at a nightingale court at Preston North End football club.

Noble, of Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria was jailed for three years and three months while Cavin, of Flookburgh, Cumbria, was sentenced to three years today (Wed).

Mr Clark’s death has left a ‘large void’ in family’s lives

In a statement issued by police, Mr Clark's family said: “David was a loving husband, father, brother and friend and a popular character in the local community. His death has left a large void in our lives.

“We would like to ask that our family's privacy be respected at this time and for us to be allowed to come to terms with today’s verdict and to grieve and remember a much loved husband, father and brother in private."

Investigating officer Detective sergeant Gemma Jones said: “This is an incredibly tragic case and we send our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the victim David Clark.

“We are pleased that the case has finally been brought to a conclusion.”

Detective chief inspector Steve May added: “This was an unusual and highly complex legal case and I commend the courage of those witnesses who came forward and provided statements and those who attended court to give evidence.

“The dignity and composure of Mr Clarks’ family has been exemplary throughout and I hope that they can take some comfort in the knowledge that justice has been done.

“Our investigative team deserve mention for their consistent and thorough work to see this case brought to its conclusion.”