Man jailed over Barnsley punch death

A man has been jailed for six years for the manslaughter of a father from Barnsley, who was killed in an unprovoked attack.

Graham Linstead, 60, died after he was attacked by Ricky Braithwaite in Pitt Street West on 4 September.

Linstead was making his way home with his partner when he was attacked by Braithwaite, who had drugs in his system.

CCTV shown in court saw Braithwaite attack Linstead from behind, causing him to fall over and hit his head.

He died in hospital four days later after his life support was withdrawn.

Braithwaite was arrested shortly after the attack and first charged with assault before the charges were upgraded to manslaughter following Graham’s death.

Addressing the court today, his daughter Charlotte said: “My dad was a very loving man and would help and support anyone who asked him for anything. He liked to love and to be loved, and a sense of belonging meant everything to him. He was my best friend, my gig buddy, and a grandad to my young daughter.

“There has to be something good that comes from this. There has to be a change in mindset and violence and how people conduct their lives.”

Judge Peter Kelson QC remarked that no jail term imposed upon Braithwaite could ever bring Graham back, but Graham’s family had been subjected to a life sentence due to his actions that night.

Senior investigating officer, DCI Mark Oughton said: “This case is a clear example of how throwing a couple of drunken punches can destroy lives. This assault was captured on CCTV; it lasts for no longer than ten seconds. In mere seconds, Braithwaite caused one man’s death, destroyed his own life and left two families in tatters.”

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