Man convicted of manslaughter after killing a man with one punch

A MAN has been convicted of manslaughter after killing a man with one punch during a fight in Maldon High Street, Maldon, Essex.

Daryl Bunn and his friend met to discuss their ‘Best Man’ speeches at another friend’s forthcoming wedding before later becoming involved in an altercation with a group of people outside the Iceland store at around 8.50 pm on June 29 last year.

27-year-old Daryl, from Maldon, was punched once, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the ground, he was flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but sadly died as a result of his injuries.

A forensic post-mortem examination found he had suffered a traumatic brain injury, while his friend suffered a broken jaw.

Sonny Hazell, 25, of Kings Road, Southminster, was charged with manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and 24-year-old Jordan Hooper, of Princes Avenue, Southminster, was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They both denied the charges and stood trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, November 16, 2020.

On Monday, November 30, a jury found Hazell guilty of manslaughter and he is due to be sentenced on January 8, 2021.

Both Hazell and Hooper were acquitted of causing grievous bodily harm in relation to Daryl’s friend.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Lee Morton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This is a tragic case where someone has lost their life through no fault of their own following an altercation and a fight.

“The case shows that any act of violence can lead to someone being seriously injured and even killed.

“Daryl Bunn’s death was needless and completely avoidable, and his family and fiancée have been left devastated.

“They have been in court throughout the trial and heard how Daryl did nothing to instigate or provoke the incident that led to him losing his life.

“They have remained dignified throughout this incredibly difficult time and I want to thank them for their support throughout our investigation and the court case.”

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