MAN JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER AFTER FATAL PUNCH IN PONTEFRACT

Dylan Maxwell, a 28-year-old bouncer, was sentenced to 13 years and 10 months after being convicted of manslaughter at Leeds Crown Court on 23 June. Maxwell punched Luke Thompson, 25, during a confrontation in the early hours of 19 November 2023 in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Mr Thompson fell and sustained a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain, dying in hospital 10 days later. Maxwell claimed self-defence during the trial, but the jury found him guilty.

Mr Thompson's family has released CCTV footage of the attack in an attempt to deter further violence. The footage, which was played during the trial, shows Maxwell causing Mr Thompson to stumble backwards on a road. Denise, Mr Thompson's sister, stated the family decided to release the footage because "one punch can kill". She added that fatal injuries can occur in seconds rather than following prolonged confrontation.

Mr Thompson's family released the footage as a public safety measure following Maxwell's conviction. The family described Mr Thompson as a father of two and made tribute to him after the sentencing. According to the family's statement, they hope the footage will prevent similar deaths in other families.