Hitchin man guilty of manslaughter after fatal assault in Ickleford
Oscar Jackson, 21, from Hitchin has been found guilty of manslaughter after punching Grant Wallendorf during an argument in Ickleford in June 2024
A man from Hitchin has been convicted of manslaughter after a fatal attack in Ickleford in June 2024, where the victim died from a single punch.
Oscar Jackson, 21, of Wilshere Crescent, was found guilty today (27 November 2024) at Cambridge Crown Court, sitting at Huntingdon Crown Court, after a two-week trial. The court heard that on the evening of Sunday 16 June, Jackson became involved in a verbal dispute with Grant Wallendorf in the car park of Ickleford Sports and Recreation Centre.
During the altercation, Jackson punched Mr Wallendorf once in the head, rendering him unconscious. He then moved the victim’s body aside to drive away from the scene. Jackson was later located at his home by police, arrested, and taken into custody.
Despite immediate medical assistance, Mr Wallendorf died in hospital from his injuries.
After deliberating for five hours, a jury of eight men and four women returned a guilty verdict. Jackson will be sentenced on Friday 10 January 2025.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit commented on the case, saying: “A snap decision from Jackson has led to catastrophic repercussions for the victim and his family, who I send my condolences to at what remains a very emotional time.
“This incident has also had a devastating effect on the community around Ickleford, and I hope that seeing Jackson convicted helps reassure the public that we will keep working hard to ensure that criminals are brought to justice.”