Torquay man jailed for manslaughter after fatal attack in Paignton

A man from Torquay has been sentenced to five years and four months in jail for manslaughter.

It's after 46-year-old Craig Harrison, of Tor Church Road in Torquay pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to the offence following the death of a man he attacked in Paignton back in 2021.

Timothy Smith, 69, from Brixham, was attacked by Harrison on 11 March 2021.

He was discharged from hospital later that day, but collapsed at his home a week later.

Despite undergoing an operation for a bleed on the brain at Derriford Hospital, his condition then deteriorated and he died later that month - on March 27, 2021.

At the sentencing hearing held at Plymouth Crown Court, it was heard Harrison attacked Mr Smith by punching him to the side of his head.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Timothy Smith was going about his daily business when he was subjected to an unprovoked attack by Harrison.

“Although it was a single punch, it led to Timothy’s death and has had a devastating effect on his family.

“Violence against anyone has no place in a civil society and Devon and Cornwall Police will always do the utmost to investigate these matters and bring offenders to justice.

“I thank and commend all those involved in this investigation - the Major Crime Investigation Team, experts, prosecution team and members of the public who have assisted and provided evidence in this case.

“My deepest condolences go to Timothy’s family and those who knew him. I hope that today’s sentence will bring comfort and closure for them.”

Harrison pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Today, Friday 14 April, at Plymouth Crown Court, he was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

He was told that he will have to serve two-thirds of that before he can be released on licence.

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