Man guilty of manslaughter after fatal Devizes assault
44-year-old Wayne Sheppard was killed by one punch to the head
A man has been found guilty of manslaughter after a fatal assault in Devizes.
Wayne Sheppard, who was 44 and from Waiblingen Way, died in hospital six days after he was attacked on New Park Street back in July 2022.
Darren John (39) from Hewitt Court, has been found guilty following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker with Wiltshire Police said: “This incident was a huge shock to the local close-knit community of Devizes, of which Wayne was a popular member.
"He was a well-liked and well-known man and I know news of his death was extremely upsetting for all who knew him."
Paramedics were called to New Park Street on July 2 following a report that a man, who was later identified as Mr Sheppard, had sustained a serious head injury.
Further tests at hospital showed Mr Sheppard’s injury was likely to have been caused by an assault and officers launched an investigation.
Enquiries found Mr Sheppard had been punched by another man who was quickly identified as Fell.
He was arrested and initially charged with GBH, before Wayne then passed away.
“Extensive CCTV enquiries and witness statements were gathered as part of our investigation," DCI Walker said.
"We discovered that Wayne was struck to the face by Fell after a short verbal exchange between them.
"This punch caused Wayne to fall backwards and hit his head on the concrete floor.
"Wayne suffered a severe post traumatic brain injury that, sadly, he was unable to recover from."
During the trial it was found Wayne did not present a danger to anyone and Fell was not acting legitimately in self defence.
“This incident demonstrates that one punch can kill and I would urge people to think twice before resorting to violence," DCI Walker said.
"One punch can have devastating consequences as has sadly been demonstrated in this case.
“My thoughts are with Wayne’s family and friends at this tragic time.”
In a tribute released at the time of his death, Mr Sheppard’s family described him as a "happy go lucky man" who had a kind nature.
His parents Sandy and Pete said: “He was really well known and very well liked in Devizes.
"He was always out and about so everyone knew who he was and he’d help anyone.
"He was such a kind person.”
Fell will be sentenced on 31 July.