Derby builder who killed man in one punch attack found guilty of manslaughter
Tony Marsden punched David Fox once in the face following an argument
Last updated 14th Mar 2025
A builder who killed a man in a one punch attack in a Derby street has been found guilty of manslaughter.
Tony Marsden punched David Fox once in the face following an argument between the pair in Green Lane, Derby, at 12.30pm on Monday 3 July, 2023.
Marsden was working on a building site when he and Mr Fox were involved in a verbal argument with both on either side of a metal wire fence.
CCTV footage that captured the movements of the pair after the argument and showed Marsden, who had the left the building site, appear on Green Lane walking quickly towards Mr Fox who had his hands in his pockets.
As Marsden gets close to Mr Fox he punched him once with his right fist to the head.
Mr Fox fell backwards, hitting his head on the floor, immediately losing consciousness.
Initially Marsden walked away as Mr Fox lay prone on the ground, but then returned to the 57-year-old and rolled him onto his side – only when challenged by a member of the public.
Paramedics and police arrived at the scene soon after – with Mr Fox rushed to the Royal Derby Hospital where a scan showed a serious bleed on the brain and then was transferred to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre.
Officers spoke with witnesses and trawled CCTV and quickly identified Marsden who was found in his car in nearby Colyear Street – where he had changed his appearance putting on an orange hooded top.
Mr Fox remained sedated but died as a result of his injuries at the QMC 12 days later.
Marsden was charged with the manslaughter Mr Fox, a charge that he denied.
However, Marsden, of Lockett Drive, Ashbourne, was found guilty yesterday after a trial at Derby Crown Court.
The 55-year-old was bailed to appear at the same court on Friday 21 March for sentencing.