Man sentenced for the manslaughter of Marc Allen

A man has been jailed for 13 years at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 July after robbing and running over a man, leaving him to die in the street in Erith in 2019. He will serve a further 5 years on license.

Errol Woodger, 38 (18.12.1986) of Mottisfont Road, Abbey Wood, was found guilty at the same court of robbery and manslaughter of 51-year-old Marc Allen following a three-week trial that concluded on Tuesday, 15 April 2025.

On Sunday, 29 December 2019, Marc Allen interrupted Errol Woodger robbing items from his flat on Peareswood Road, Erith, including his car keys.

Mr Allen attempted to stop Woodger driving off in his car, but Woodger deliberately drove the car at him, running him over and causing him fatal injuries. Mr Allen was taken to hospital but never regained consciousness and died on Wednesday, 29 January 2020.

Woodger was charged with robbery and murder on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 and was remanded into custody.

At trial, Woodger was found guilty of one count of manslaughter and one count of robbery.

Detective Sergeant Nick Bale, of the Met’s Homicide Command, said:

“Our thoughts remain with Marc’s family and loved ones.

“I’d like to thank the Homicide team who led on this investigation and the members of the public who were able to help us. The response we received to our appeal for information and witnesses following Marc’s senseless death directly led to Mr Woodger’s arrest and charges nearly five years after this tragic incident.

“A man was fatally injured in a brutal way and died as a result - outside his home where he should have felt safe. I can only hope that this sentence goes some way in providing a sense of justice to Marc’s family.”