Man jailed for six years after killing a stranger by punching him to the ground in Peterborough
A man who killed a stranger by punching him to the ground in Peterborough city centre has been jailed.
Cambridgeshire police say that Ashley McMillan (32) punched John McGarry (63) who was walking away from him, knocking him to the ground in Broadway, Peterborough, near Tesco Express.
Mr McGarry, of Broom Close, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, was found on the ground by security staff who then flagged down police officers on patrol at just after 2.30am on August 30 last year.
He was taken to hospital with a serious head injury but never regained consciousness and died on December 12.
A police spokesperson said: “Inquiries discovered McMillan had punched another man and in response to this Mr McGarry could be seen on CCTV to try to defend the stranger by throwing his arm out before walking away.
"Despite Mr McGarry walking away McMillan followed him and punched him once to the head – knocking him to the ground.
The spokesperson said that McMillan, of Oundle Road, Peterborough, had left the scene and that several members of the public rushed over to help Mr McGarry.
He said that McMillan was arrested at his home later that day and was initially charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
However, this was upgraded to a charge of murder following Mr McGarry’s death.
McMillan pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter at a hearing at Peterborough Crown Court on 25 June,
He was jailed for six years on July 17 at Peterborough Crown Court.
Afterwards, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood, of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “While McMillan may not have intended to kill John McGarry, the consequences of his actions were devastating.
"Following a confrontation in Broadway, he chose to continue pursuing Mr McGarry and ultimately delivered the fatal punch.
“John was found by security staff and taken to hospital, where he received specialist treatment for more than three months. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he died on 12 December surrounded by those who loved him.
“This was a senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a much-loved relative and left those closest to him facing an unimaginable loss.
He said: "Our thoughts remain with John’s family and friends, who have shown great dignity and strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that a single punch can have.
"Where Mr McGarry was trying to do the right thing in helping a stranger this has resulted in him losing his life and a family being left to grieve."