A teenager whose father was killed by a single punch has expressed outrage at the prison sentences handed to his killers. Maria Gaskin, now 18, said the jail terms for the two men responsible for the death of her father, Jason Gaskin, were 'ridiculous' and 'not acceptable'.
Sentences handed down at Sheffield Crown Court
Jason Gaskin, a 53-year-old father of five, died after being attacked by Jake Wells, 28, and James Neeson, 50, following a Halloween party at Park Social Working Men's Club in Balby, Doncaster. The court heard that Wells pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed for four years and nine months. Neeson was originally sentenced to 12 months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice, but this was reduced to nine months after he was assaulted outside court.
Maria, who was 15 when her father was killed, criticised the sentences, saying: 'A person who was involved in someone losing their life only gets nine months' imprisonment – that is ridiculous.' She added: 'Even four years for causing my dad's death is not acceptable. I have read shoplifters and drug runners get more time. I have no words.'
Attack caught on CCTV
The court heard that Gaskin had attended the venue with friends when it is thought he had a 'verbal confrontation' with Neeson's wife during the incident on October 29, 2023. CCTV showed Gaskin, a general metal dealer, talking to a woman as she danced around the table he was sitting at. Neeson then walked behind Gaskin and landed two quick punches to the side of his head.
The row moved outside onto the neighbour's street, where the duo were followed by a small group including Wells. He is seen landing a single punch to the side of Gaskin's head, knocking him out. Gaskin fell to the floor and banged his head on the surface. He was found unconscious in the early hours of the morning and died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
Cover-up attempt and family's grief
Following the assault, Neeson disconnected the CCTV and hid the hard drives containing the footage in the loft space of the venue. Officers later recovered the hard drives.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, Gaskin's widow, Charmaine, from whom he had been separated at the time of his death, said: 'Jason was well known in the community. Everyone has a story to tell about him. He was larger than life.'
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Adam Watkinson, from South Yorkshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said: 'This was a devastating attack which led to the death of a much-loved father, grandfather, and husband. Neeson's attempt to cover up his and Wells' involvement in Jason's death showed a total lack of remorse and accountability. Fortunately, officers were quick to recover the vital evidence and both men now face justice for their crimes.'
