Man jailed after Cotswolds pub death

It followed a drunken disagreement in Bourton-on-the-Water in August 2021.

Author: Harry LongPublished 11th Aug 2023

A man's been jailed for manslaughter after a man died after being punched in a pub in the Cotswolds

It followed a drunken disagreement in Bourton-on-the-Water on the evening of Saturday 28 August 2021.

54 year-old Liam McKane punched 51-year-old Colin Leslie once in the head, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the floor.

He was taken to hospital but died eight days later.

McKane, of Uxbridge in London, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He pleaded guilty during the first day of a trial on 26 June this year.

Today at Bristol Crown Court he was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

Detective Inspector Adam Stacey, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Mr Leslie's death was utterly needless and as a result of McKane's mindless actions which had fatal consequences.

"A single punch has caused a devastating impact, resulting in a man losing his life and a family left without their loved one.

"No outcome will ever bring Colin back and our thoughts and condolences remain with his partner, friends and family."

In sentencing remarks His Honour Judge Picton said: "Colin Leslie was a much loved family man whose life you brought to an end.

"Nothing that happened either inside or outside The Kingsbridge Inn that night justified what you did to bring about this tragic state of affairs. His family and friends have been left devastated by their loss.

"You ruined the lives of so many people by your actions on this night – those who will forever grieve for the loss of a loved one and those members of your own family who will suffer as a consequence of you being sent to prison.

"What happened in this case should be a lesson for others about the terrible consequences that can result from the use of violence, which is sadly seen all too frequently when people are out trying to enjoy themselves at night."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.