Man jailed for 7 years for one punch attack in Sheffield
56-year-old Richard Wheeler died in July
A man's been jailed for 7 years for causing the death of Sheffield man with a single punch to the head.
In July 56-year-old Richard Wheeler went out for what was meant to be a day of birthday celebrations with friends in the city centre but he was attacked on Orchard Lane.
Emergency services were called out to reports of an altercation near to The Bessemer pub. Richard was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.
The court heard how Jones approached his victim and attacked him with one punch to the head that knocked him unconscious and left him with traumatic brain injury requiring urgent surgery.
20-year-old Liam Jones of Morland Road Sheffield pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, two counts of Grievous Bodily Harm, one count of Actual Bodily Harm, one count of Possession of an Offence Weapon, and one of Affray at an earlier hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 8 November.
During sentencing today he was told he must also serve an additional three years on licence.
Detective Inspector Adam Watkinson, who led the investigation, said:
“This violent and wicked attack has devastated the lives of Richard’s loved ones, and although this sentence will never make up for the loss they are suffering, I hope that it offers some level of justice for them knowing that Jones is now behind bars.”
“We will continue to pursue those individuals who choose to use violence on the streets of South Yorkshire and bring them to justice and keep our communities safe.”
The family of Richard Wheeler have released a photo and shared a statement following the sentencing:
“Please be respectful for the grieving family and friends of Rich who was a deeply loved and very liked man.
“He went out for a night out and never came home, no one should lose a loved one in this way. His spirit will always be with us”.