Man guilty of Colchester manslaughter
He'll be sentenced in December
Last updated 1st Oct 2021
A man has been convicted of killing another man during a fight in Colchester last year.
Just after midnight on Wednesday 19 August 2020, two groups in Vineyard Street car park near the High Street, became involved in an argument after an evening out in the town centre, which quickly escalated to violence.
CCTV showed that during the incident, Steven Warburton, 46, leant down to help his wife, who had been knocked to the floor during the scuffle.
While doing so, he was punched by a member of the second group, causing him to fall backwards with force and hit his head against the pavement.
When officers arrived, Steve was found unconscious in the car park. The second group had already left the scene in their car.
Steve was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and sadly died of his injuries three and a half weeks later.
A forensic post-mortem examination found he had suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Brodie Groome, 27, from Sydney Street, Brightlingsea, was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
At Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 2 October 2020, the charge was amended to manslaughter.
Throughout the investigation, Groome claimed that he acted in self-defence.
He stood trial at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 20 September 2021 and today, Thursday 30 September, a jury found him guilty of manslaughter. He is due to be sentenced on 1 December.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy an evening out with their friends and loved ones, and get home safely.
“Steven’s death was completely avoidable and this case highlights just how quickly a situation can escalate.
“If you or your friend get into an argument on a night out, particularly if you have been drinking, please don’t turn to violence. Just walk away.
“A single act of aggression can easily result in serious injury, or as with this case, someone’s tragic death.