The family of a young father killed by a single punch have released distressing police footage of the attack, hoping it serves as a stark warning about how quickly violence can turn fatal. Luke Thompson, 25, died in hospital 10 days after being punched twice during a confrontation in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, in November 2023.
Jail sentence for manslaughter
Dylan Maxwell, 28, from Castleford, was jailed for a total of 13 years and 10 months after pleading guilty to manslaughter and separate drugs offences. The video, released with the blessing of Luke's family, shows him being knocked to the ground twice, suffering catastrophic head injuries.
Luke's sister, Denise Louise Thompson, commented: "We have given permission to show people out there that one punch can kill hoping it don't happen to anyone else's family. Yeah it's not nice to watch but it's putting it out there, you don't have to have a brawl for 5/10 mins, it could take a matter of seconds to kill someone."
Family's devastating loss
Luke was a father of two and was expecting a third child at the time of the attack. His son was born on Christmas Day, just weeks after he died. In a victim impact statement read to the court, his mother Michelle described the lasting impact: "We live with the pain of losing him every day. It is a scar in our lives that will never leave. The impact of losing him is something that has affected the whole family differently. Some are suffering from mental health. This is something that has been going on since losing Luke and I think it will continue long into the future."
Police urge people to walk away
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police said: "My thoughts remain with Luke Thompson's friends and loved ones. I hope today's sentence provides some small comfort to them as they move forward with their lives following their devastating loss. This is a tragic case that shows just how quickly a night out can turn into tragedy. Too often we see situations escalate through alcohol, frustration or split second decisions, with devastating consequences for everyone involved. At a busy time of year for nightlife, I would urge people to take a moment, walk away from confrontation and think about the lasting impact of their actions. No argument is worth a life."
The family hope the release of the distressing footage will ensure Luke's death is not forgotten and help prevent another family suffering the same heartbreak.
