A 20-year-old man who caused the death of a Sheffield man from a violent one-punch to the head has been jailed for seven years.
Richard Wheeler, 56, headed out for a day of birthday celebrations in Sheffield city centre on Saturday 15 July 2023, where he was attacked by Liam Jones.
Jones, of Morland Road, Sheffield, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Friday 8 December where he was given a seven year prison sentence. He must then serve an additional three years on licence after that.
The court heard how Jones knocked the victim unconscious, leaving him with traumatic brain injuries which required urgent surgery.
Emergency services were called to Orchard Lane at around 11.10 pm following reports of an altercation and an assault near to Bessemer pub. Richard Wheeler was taken to hospital but sadly died on 25 July from head injuries.
The full attack was captured on CCTV which led to the quick identification of Jones who was arrested just three minutes’ walk from the scene.
At an earlier hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 8 November, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, two counts of Grievous Bodily Harm, one count of Actual Bodily Harm, one count of Possession of an Offence Weapon, and one of Affray.
Detective Inspector Adam Watkinson, who led the investigation, said: “This violent and wicked attack has devastated the lives of Richard’s loved ones, and although this sentence will never make up for the loss they are suffering, I hope that it offers some level of justice for them knowing that Jones is now behind bars.
“We will continue to pursue those individuals who choose to use violence on the streets of South Yorkshire and bring them to justice and keep our communities safe.”
The family of Richard Wheeler have shared the following statement: “Please be respectful for the grieving family and friends of Rich who was a deeply loved and very liked man.
“He went out for a night out and never came home, no one should lose a loved one in this way. His spirit will always be with us”.
