Harpole teenager admits manslaughter

12 July 2019, 12:21 | Updated: 12 July 2019, 12:24

Arthur Billings

A 19 year-old man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a 24 year-old stranger in a one-punch killing.

At Northampton Crown Court, Arthur Billings, of Harpole, pleaded guilty to punching 24 year-old Bradley Matcham next to an alleyway in The Drapery, in the early hours of Saturday, 9th February, following a heated exchange of words.

Bradley, fell to the floor unconscious and was taken to hospital where he died nine days later on Monday, 18th February.

DC Spencer Bailey from Northamptonshire Police’s Major Crime Team, said:

"This is an extremely tragic case in which a young man has lost his life as the result of one punch.

Bradley had his whole life ahead of him – he was a bright, popular and kind young man who was simply trying to enjoy a night out on the day he was killed.

Bradley did not provoke this punch or threaten Billings in any way. In fact, his hands were in his pockets and his head was turned away at the moment he was punched, giving him no opportunity to defend himself.

I’m glad that Billings pleaded guilty today so Bradley’s family do not have to go through the trauma of a trial and I hope this case serves as lesson to others that one punch can have catastrophic and devastating consequences."

Mr Billings has been bailed by the court until he will be sentenced, which will be at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, 9th September.