A judge criticized a jockey, stating he could have avoided the situation, as he handed down a three-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of a 71-year-old man outside a pub. Levi Williams, 27, was sentenced for the death of Richard Wingrove in Newmarket, Suffolk, following an incident where Williams punched him at least twice.

During the trial at Peterborough Crown Court, prosecutor Jane Oldfield explained that Mr. Wingrove and his son were involved in altercations at a pub on the town’s high street. The altercation escalated when a physical confrontation occurred between Jamie Wingrove and the pub’s publican. CCTV footage showed the jockeys attempting to intervene.

After leaving the pub, a verbal exchange ensued between Williams and the Wingroves, leading to Williams throwing punches at both men. Tragically, Richard Wingrove fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement. Despite initial survival, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Williams, who tested positive for cocaine, claimed in his interview that he felt threatened and believed punches were being thrown by both sides. The judge emphasized that while Williams may not have been the initial aggressor, the final punch that led to the fatal injury could not be justified, and he and his friend could have walked away from the situation.

The court sentenced Williams to three years in prison due to the severity of the incident. The emotional impact was evident in the public gallery, with Mr. Wingrove’s daughter highlighting the loss her father’s death had on the family, especially as he was looking forward to becoming a great-grandfather. Mitigating the situation, William England mentioned that Williams had no history of violence.

Detective Constable Hannah Barrett, reflecting on the case outside the court, described the incident as a tragic and avoidable act of violence that had devastated many lives, especially as Richard Wingrove was celebrating his birthday when the incident occurred.