The Entrance North: Andrew Peter Franklin to face manslaughter trial over 2018 death of Cade Shiells

A man will face trial over the alleged manslaughter of a promising young chef after a mid-street fight led to his shock death at The Entrance North nearly five years ago.

Andrew Peter Franklin, 36, of The Entrance, leaving Wyong Local Court after a previous appearance. Picture: NewsLocal

A man will face a manslaughter trial after police alleged he was involved in a fight on a dark coastal road which led to the death of a promising young chef who was hit by a car mid-argument.

Andrew Peter Franklin, of The Entrance, faced Wyong Local Court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to a single count of manslaughter follwing the death of Cade Shiells and Mr Franklin’s own father-in-law Kevin Stokes.

Mr Shiells, 26, and MrStokes, 46, were hit by a Toyota Hilux on Wilfred Barrett Drive at The Entrance North shortly after midnight on July 8, 2018.

Mr Shiells died at the scene while Mr Stokes was rushed to John Hunter Hospital but died a few days later.

Mr Franklin was also slightly injured in the collision.

Cade Shiells, 26, was killed on Wilfred Barrett Drive.

Kevin Stokes also died from his injuries. Pictures: Facebook

Police will allege in court Mr Franklin, now 36, and his father-in-law Mr Stokes were fighting with Mr Shiells in the middle of the road at the time.

Charge sheets tendered in court allege Mr Franklin’s involvement in the alleged fight contributed to Mr Shiells’ death “in circumstances amounting to manslaughter” because his assault was “dangerous and unlawful” and caused Mr Shiells to be struck by the passing ute.

Mr Franklin was adjourned to be arraigned in Gosford District Court on May 11 and his bail was continued.

In the wake of the collision the ute driver, Damien Robert Seaman, of Bateau Bay, was charged with several offences including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm; causing harm by misconduct behind the wheel; negligent driving causing death and grievous bodily harm and negligent driving.

Police alleged at the time Mr Seaman, then 46, was driving a white Toyota Hilux when he “did by misconduct” travel around a sweeping right hand bend and failed to see the three pedestrians on the road.

However, all these charges except one were later withdrawn and dismissed in September 2021 when a court heard Mr Seaman would not have had enough time to react when he came around the bend and encountered the three men allegedly fighting in the middle of the road.

The only charge left was a “fine only” offence of negligent driving, not causing death or injury.