The family of a man who was killed by one punch in Peterborough city centre have paid tribute to the ‘father, brother and friend’ who acted with ‘extraordinary selfless courage.’

John McGarry was killed by Ashley MacMillan in Broadway, Peterborough in the early hours of 30 August 2025.

Police said Mr McGarry had gone to the aid of another man, who was being assaulted by Macmillan.

Now MacMillan (32) of Oundle Road, Peterborough has been jailed for six years after admitting manslaughter at Peterborough Crown Court.

John McGarry was described as kind, courageous and selfless by his loved ones

placeholder image — John McGarry was described as kind, courageous and selfless by his loved ones

Man jailed for six years after killing a stranger by punching him to the ground ...

Following the sentencing, Mr McGarry’s family said he would be remembered ‘for the courage, kindness, and selflessness with which he lived.’

In a statement, issued by the children, siblings and wider family of the 63-year-old of Broom Close, Dogsthorpe, his family said: “Today’s sentence brings the criminal proceedings to an end, but it does not bring an end to our grief. Nothing can replace our beloved father, brother, friend John McGarry.

“John’s final act was one of extraordinary selfless courage. He intervened to stop Ashley MacMillan assaulting another person and, believing the incident had ended, continued on his way. Instead, MacMillan waited before deliberately launching a cowardly attack from behind, delivering a punch to which John had no opportunity to defend himself.

“That single, spiteful act robbed his children of their father, our family of a beloved brother and our community of a man who dedicated his life to standing up for others.

“While Ashley MacMillan’s guilty plea to manslaughter has brought a degree of accountability, our family will always feel that the sentence cannot truly reflect the enormity of what was taken from us. After fighting for his life for three months, John died from his injuries.

“We thank everyone who has supported us, especially the staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for their tireless care and compassion, and all those involved in securing today’s conviction.

“John will be remembered not for the violence that took his life, but for the courage, kindness, and selflessness with which he lived. He stood up for someone else when it mattered most. That is the legacy he leaves behind.”