One-punch killer jailed after ‘cowardly attack’
A one-punch killer has been jailed after knocking out a stranger in a “cowardly attack” and walking away.
John McGarry intervened to stop 31-year-old Ashley McMillan from attacking another man.
The 63-year-old actor was attacked on Broadway in Peterborough in the early hours of August 30 last year. He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but died on 12 December.
The defendant was initially charged with murder but prosecutors at Peterborough Crown Court pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday.
Det Ch Insp Matt Inwood said Ashley McMillan’s actions caused “unimaginable loss” [Cambridgeshire Police]
Police investigations revealed McMillan, of Oundle Road, Peterborough, had initially punched another man he did not know.
In response, McGarry was seen on CCTV trying to defend the man by putting his arm out before walking away.
But Cambridgeshire Police said McMillan followed him and punched him once in the head, knocking him to the ground.
Several members of the public rushed to the aid of Peterborough man McGarry.
The attacker was arrested at home and initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm. with intention
‘Selfless courage’
McGarry’s family released an emotional tribute to their “beloved father, brother and friend.”
“John’s final act was an extraordinary example of selfless courage.
“He intervened to prevent Ashley McMillan from assaulting another person and continued on his way, believing the incident was over,” they said.
“Instead, McMillan waited before deliberately launching a cowardly attack from behind, delivering a punch from which John had no opportunity to defend himself.
“This single, spiteful act deprived his children of their father, our family of a beloved brother, and our community of a man who devoted his life to standing up for others.”
They thanked staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for their “tireless care and compassion”, as well as those who helped secure McMillian’s conviction.
Det Ch Insp Matt Inwood, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: “This was a senseless act of violence that robbed a family of a much-loved relative and left those closest to him facing unimaginable loss.
“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that a single punch can have.”
He paid tribute to the family and friends of McGarry, who “demonstrated great dignity and strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings.”
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