Darren Fell jailed after Wayne Sheppard died from fatal punch

A man has been jailed for nine years after throwing a punch that led to a fatal brain injury.

Darren Fell assaulted 44-year-old Wayne Sheppard after a short verbal exchange in New Park Street, Devizes, Wiltshire on 2 July 2022.

Mr Sheppard, also from Devizes, fell, hitting his head on the ground. He died six days later in hospital.

Fell, 40, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court after he was found guilty of manslaughter at an earlier hearing.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Sheppard's parents Sandy and Pete said: "No parent wants to bury their child, I never thought that we would lose our son.

"We miss him every day and life has not been the same since he was assaulted."

The statement continued: "I miss seeing Wayne's face at the front window pulling silly faces when he used to come over for a roast dinner.

"I often look up hoping to see him for a split second but then I remember, and I feel a pang in my heart and it hurts all over again."

His parents added: "Wayne was taken from us because of a violent act that he did not deserve.

"This is something we cannot forgive."

The trial was told that on the day of the assault, paramedics were called to reports that a man, later identified as Mr Sheppard, had sustained a head injury.

Further tests in hospital showed his severe post-traumatic brain injury was likely to have been a result of an assault, so officers started an investigation.

Det Ch Inspector Phil Walker said: "This incident was a huge shock to the local close-knit community of Devizes, of which Wayne was a popular member.

"He was a well-liked and well-known man, and I know news of his death was extremely upsetting for all who knew him.

"This incident demonstrates that one punch can kill and I would urge people to think twice before resorting to violence.

"One punch can have devastating consequences as has sadly been demonstrated in this case.

"My thoughts are with Wayne's family and friends at this tragic time - whilst nothing will ever bring Wayne back, I hope that news of this sentence will bring them some form of closure to what has been an incredibly upsetting and distressing time."

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk