A MAN charged with manslaughter in connection with a death on the railway line in Prestatyn appeared in court for a pre-trial review today (September 27).

Patrick Kennedy, 49, of Woodlands Road, Manchester, denies killing 40-year-old Keith Ford in an incident on the tracks close to Prestatyn Golf Club on July 13, 2022.

His trial is due to begin at Mold Crown Court on Monday, October 14.

British Transport Police were called at 5.10pm on the day in question, following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Officers and colleagues from the Welsh Ambulance Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service also attended, but Mr Ford, a self-employed gardener of Valley Road, Urmston, was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the opening of the inquest into his death, held in Ruthin on July 25, 2022, it was heard that Mr Ford was hit by a train and died of chest injuries.

Prosecutor William Hughes KC said during today’s hearing that the trial is anticipated to last “between seven and eight days”.

Mr Justice Matthew Nicklin, who will preside over the trial, told Kennedy his bail conditions may continue as previously.