Brent Clayton, 62, has been convicted of manslaughter after killing his younger brother with a single punch during a drunken 'play fight' at a social club in Lancashire.
Clayton had been drinking with his brother Simon, 58, when they went to the Waterfoot Social Club near Rossendale in Lancashire on November 23, 2024. By 11.30pm both men had consumed a lot of alcohol and Simon was unsteady on his feet, a court heard.
CCTV captured the incident
Simon was captured on CCTV stumbling into a table as he made his way back from the toilets towards the bar, where Brent was ordering another drink. Bar staff said Simon had already had enough and refused to serve him.
The brothers went to the function room area where they were seen sitting at a table in the empty part of the club. However, Brent then got to his feet and began shadow fighting, inviting his brother up for a scuffle.
CCTV showed Simon join Brent and the brothers began 'play fighting.' Simon punched Brent to his lip but Brent returned the blow. Simon fell backwards to the floor where he lay motionless. Brent threw his arms in the air in a triumphant gesture as bar staff entered the room and went to Simon's assistance.
Death and conviction
Emergency services arrived at the club at around 11.45pm. Simon was taken to hospital but died the next day. He had suffered an unsurvivable brain injury, a post mortem found.
Brent was arrested and told officers Simon had punched him first and that he hoped he would be okay. Giving evidence, he claimed he had only wanted to play fight with his brother and never intended to hurt him. He said he was defending himself as Simon had thrown the first punch.
However, the jury dismissed his account and found him guilty of manslaughter by a majority of 10 to two.
Sentencing to follow
Brent Clayton, of Taylor Avenue, Rossendale, will return to court to be sentenced on October 14. The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, remanded him into custody until his next appearance in court.
Members of the Clayton family sobbed in the public gallery as Brent Clayton was led to the cells.
Detective Inspector Tris Hardwick, of Lancashire Police's Force Major Investigation Team, said: "This is a devastatingly sad case that shows it only takes one punch to take a life, and to ruin your own."
"Simon’s family have had to come to terms, not only with the fact that he has died, but that he was killed by his older brother – someone who he was meant to be able to trust implicitly. My, and my team’s thoughts are with Simon’s loved ones today, and as they continue to grieve him.
"Clayton didn’t go out that night with the intention of taking a life, but he became intoxicated, he thought it was a good idea to mock a fight with his brother. There was nothing pretend about the punch that killed Simon."
The message is clear – one punch can kill. Violence is not and never will be acceptable in our county, no matter what you think your intentions may be.
