One-punch killing warning as teenager is sentenced

A police boss warned that punching someone could have huge ramifications for both attackers and victims after a teenager was sentenced for a one-punch killing.

Father-of-three Andrew Roche, 42, died in hospital on 11 August last year after being attacked near Ulster Avenue and Waterford Road, Ipswich, on 25 July.

On Friday, a 17-year-old boy was given a 36-month rehabilitation order with intense supervision and surveillance for his manslaughter.

Det Supt Phill Gray said there was "no defence for any violence in this way" and it was always best to "de-escalate the situation or simply walk away, adding: "You might think punching someone once is not a big deal; cases like this prove otherwise."

In connection with the incident, Thomas Watchman, 39, was previously found not guilty of manslaughter but was sentenced to eight weeks for assault by beating in February.

After being punched, Roche "crumpled" to the ground, Suffolk Coroner's Court heard last year, with CCTV capturing "the sound of his head hitting the floor".

He was treated by paramedics at the scene in the Whitehouse area of town and then taken to hospital before discharging himself against medical advice.

He eventually returned to hospital, where he later died.

During a sentencing hearing for the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, Judge Samantha Leigh said he had "childlike thinking".

She also said he had the mental age of a nine-year-old, which had led to him lashing out in an instinctive reaction.

Det Insp Dan Connick, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the Roche family after the teenager's sentencing hearing.

"They have displayed a great dignity throughout the investigation and trial while dealing with a terrible personal tragedy," he said.

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