Teen sentenced for manslaughter in Ipswich

He pleaded guilty

Author: Sharon PlummerPublished 27th Apr 2021
Last updated 27th Apr 2021

A teenager has been sentenced for the manslaughter of Richard Day in Ipswich in February 2020.

Andrea Cristea, now aged 17-years-old, was sentenced on Monday 26 April to three years and 10 months in a Young Offenders' Institution for manslaughter and violent disorder at Ipswich Crown Court.

Andrea Cristea

Cristea can now be named after reporting restrictions were lifted.

He had pleaded guilty to both offences on Monday 3 August, prior to a trial in which two other teenagers faced the same charges.

Richard Day, aged 45, from Ipswich, was assaulted outside Kebapizza on Saturday 22 February 2020 in St Matthews Street.

Police were on the scene shortly after 12.15am and found Richard lying on the ground before administering first aid until paramedics arrived. He was taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition, but sadly died on Monday 24 February 2020.

A post-mortem examination, held on Tuesday 25 February 2020, determined that Mr Day had suffered a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage, caused by the tearing of the artery to the left side of the neck owing to the assault on him.

Two other teenagers - both now aged 17- were acquitted of manslaughter on Friday 4 September 2020. The jury were unable to reach majority verdict in respect of violent disorder.

One of those teenagers pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Monday 7 September and was later sentenced to a 10-month youth rehabilitation order, 40 hours of unpaid work and a three-month curfew.

The other boy is awaiting a hearing for violent disorder later this year.

Detective Inspector Karl Nightingale, Senior Investigating Officer, of the Major Investigation Team, said:

"Richard Day was a much loved and well-respected son, brother, family member, friend and colleague.

"Richie had enjoyed a sociable day with family and friends on Saturday 22 February 2020. He left the Premier Pool Club late that night intending to walk home through the town centre. He had walked a considerable distance, bought food and passed numerous people without issue, until he encountered three teenagers. Tragically, Richie was assaulted and inflicted with an injury that he could never recover from.

"This sentence will provide a stage of closure for Richie's family, friends and colleagues. I would like to thank his family who have shown tremendous courage, dignity and humility throughout.

"The consequences of this attack have caused devastation beyond measure."

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