Teenagers jailed for manslaughter

21 April 2010, 17:10 | Updated: 22 April 2010, 11:15

Two teenagers have been sentenced for the manslaughter of a man in Cirencester last summer.

25 year old Tim Jennings died in hospital, days after being headbutted and punched during a night out in the town.

19 year old Jake Hayward-Wright was found guilty of manslaughter on Tuesday, his friend, 18 year old Jamie Legg, had already pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Hayward-Wright was sentenced to 4 years 3 months, Legg was given 3 years and 4 months.

Tim Jennings death led to calls for improved safety in the town and police have run a number of operations since.

Following the verdict and sentencing Detective Inspector Jan Blomfield said;

“We are pleased with this result, which follows a thorough police investigation.
 
“Our thoughts are with Tim’s friends and family at this time and we would like to thank them for the support they have shown Gloucestershire Police throughout the investigation.”

Over the summer months Cirencester Police ran a multi-agency operation to continue their work in preventing anti-social behaviour and violence in the town. Operation Leahmore was supported by Mark Jennings, Tim’s father, who joined officers on their patrols as the local pubs and clubs closed to assist officers in advising groups out socialising to have a good night  but to be safe and act within the law.

DI Blomfield continued;

“The South Cotswolds Safer Community Team, which covers the Cirencester area, were overwhelmed with support for this operation by the community and the local authorities.  

“This and similar operations, which continue to run, have been deemed a success and we would like to reassure local residents and those who socialise in Cirencester that protecting people from harm is the central focus of all such operations.

 “We would like to thank our partner agencies and the public for their support for our actions and particularly Mr Jennings for his dedication in getting important safety messages out to those socialising in Cirencester.”