A builder is jailed after a drunken joke about who could take a punch led to the death of a 22-year-old.
A builder is jailed after a drunken joke about who could take a punch led to the death of a 22-year-old.
Booze Fueled Punching Game Turns Deadly Builder Jailed For Manslaughter
Jason Thomas, 47, spoke to Liam Morgan-Whittle, 22, at a friend’s house. Thomas joked, “I’ll hit you first,” to which Liam replied, “Go on then.” He was then punched twice in the head.
The punches knocked Liam unconscious. Thomas realized Liam wasn’t responding and asked, “What have I done? Have I killed him?” Liam was rushed to the hospital, but sadly, he died from a brain bleed.
Thomas pleaded guilty to manslaughter and has now been jailed for two and a half years. The judge called it a grossly stupid act that took the life of a 22-year-old man.
The judge stated excessive alcohol and cocaine caused Thomas to lose sense as banter grew aggressive. Someone warned Thomas about the risk, but befuddled, he couldn’t see it. He delivered forceful punches, causing cardiac arrest and death.
Swansea Crown Court learned the horror happened on March 25, 2023. Thomas and Liam drank sambuca and took cocaine at Michael Davies’ home after a night out in Llanelli. Davies tried to stop the game, saying the punches weren’t “friendly”.
After Liam fell, Davies asked Thomas, “What have you done?” He said there was no need for it. Thomas replied that Liam asked for it and that he told Liam not to mess around.
Thomas’ lawyer said his client feels genuine remorse and didn’t intend serious injury or death. They were joking during the conversation, and a punch-for-punch game occurred between them. Thomas will serve half his sentence before authorities release him.
Jason Thomas, 47, spoke to Liam Morgan-Whittle, 22, at a friend’s house. Thomas joked, “I’ll hit you first,” to which Liam replied, “Go on then.” He was then punched twice in the head.
The punches knocked Liam unconscious. Thomas realized Liam wasn’t responding and asked, “What have I done? Have I killed him?” Liam was rushed to the hospital, but sadly, he died from a brain bleed.
Thomas pleaded guilty to manslaughter and has now been jailed for two and a half years. The judge called it a grossly stupid act that took the life of a 22-year-old man.
The judge stated excessive alcohol and cocaine caused Thomas to lose sense as banter grew aggressive. Someone warned Thomas about the risk, but befuddled, he couldn’t see it. He delivered forceful punches, causing cardiac arrest and death.
Swansea Crown Court learned the horror happened on March 25, 2023. Thomas and Liam drank sambuca and took cocaine at Michael Davies’ home after a night out in Llanelli. Davies tried to stop the game, saying the punches weren’t “friendly”.
After Liam fell, Davies asked Thomas, “What have you done?” He said there was no need for it. Thomas replied that Liam asked for it and that he told Liam not to mess around.
Thomas’ lawyer said his client feels genuine remorse and didn’t intend serious injury or death. They were joking during the conversation, and a punch-for-punch game occurred between them. Thomas will serve half his sentence before authorities release him.