Levi Williams, a former jockey, has been sentenced to three years in prison for the manslaughter of 71-year-old Richard Wingrove. The incident occurred outside the Waggon and Horses pub in Newmarket, Suffolk, where Williams punched Wingrove, leading to a fatal fall.
Incident Overview
The tragic events unfolded on March 8, 2025. Richard Wingrove, who had mobility challenges and used a walking stick, was enjoying a day out with his son, Jamie Wingrove. Both father and son had been drinking in the town’s high street when they were ejected from the pub due to disruptive behavior.
The Punch that Changed Everything
CCTV footage presented at Peterborough Crown Court revealed a physical altercation between Jamie Wingrove and the pub’s publican at around 3:30 PM. Levi Williams, who had been at the pub with his friend Matthew Wilson, subsequently got involved in a verbal exchange with the Wingroves.
- Williams threw a punch at Jamie Wingrove.
- He then punched Richard Wingrove, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.
Richard Wingrove was initially placed in an induced coma due to a skull fracture and sustained injuries but tragically died in a Cambridge hospital on March 18, 2025.
Charges and Sentencing
Williams was initially charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a court appearance on April 10. The judge, Sean Enright, stated that while Williams was not the aggressor at the onset, his final punch was unjustifiable.
- Williams was described as drunk and had tested positive for cocaine upon arrest.
- He claimed to have consumed two to three pints and felt threatened during the confrontation.
Delivering the sentence, Judge Enright emphasized the seriousness of the act, noting that custody was the only appropriate punishment. He stated, “You hit a vulnerable man to the head,” and highlighted the preventable nature of the tragedy.
Impact on Family and Community
The impact of Wingrove’s death resonated deeply within his family. His daughter, Louisa Reah, shared that he was celebrating his birthday when the incident occurred. The loss was compounded by the fact that her younger daughter was expecting a child, who would have been Richard Wingrove’s first great-grandchild.
Detective Constable Hannah Barrett remarked on the devastating impact of the violence, emphasizing that Richard Wingrove’s death resulted from a “completely avoidable act.” His family continues to mourn the inexplicable loss caused by the altercation.
