A thug has been jailed for nine years after killing a 23-year-old man with just one punch. Connor Pool, 25, inflicted a 'serious head injury' on his victim Freddie Fontete-Jones with a solitary strike during an altercation in the early hours of the morning.
Freddie died in hospital two days later. Pool was jailed on Monday after pleading guilty to manslaughter as a court heard his fatal injuries were caused by just one blow to the head.
The court was told police were called to the scene at approximately 3am on February 20 last year. When officers arrived, Freddie was unconscious and paramedics were giving first aid.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Childe said Freddie's death highlighted how devastating just one punch could be.
He added: “As a result of Pool’s actions, Freddie sustained a traumatic brain injury from which he never recovered. Pool’s actions were both callous and reckless and have completely devastated Freddie’s family, many friends and local community and I know his loss will be felt for many years to come. Our thoughts remain with Freddie’s family today.
"Sadly, this case highlights just how devastating one punch can be. A split second decision to act in a violent way can destroy lives.
"Your actions can cause complete devastation and a lifetime of regret. We’d urge people to really think hard about their decisions when consuming alcohol on a night out – think about what triggers you and what you can do to prevent your feelings from escalating. If you ever find yourself in a situation which has the potential to escalate into violence, please – walk away."
Freddie’s family released a statement following Monday’s sentencing.
They said: “Freddie was the best brother, the best son and simply the greatest friend anyone could have. It is so difficult to put into words just what an amazing person Freddie was and the impact he had on so many lives. We, as a family, share so many incredible memories of him and we will always be so proud of him and what he achieved.
"We are devastated beyond words that his life was cut short in the cruellest way imaginable. We would like to thank everybody who has provided support to us since his passing.
"We would like to thank the hospital NHS staff that attended to Freddie during his final hours. We would also like to thank the people of Salisbury for their kindness and generosity, as well as the police and investigation team for their support."
After his death Freddie's older sister Emma also wrote an open letter to pay tribute to her brother.
She wrote: "You have been the best brother, the very best son and the greatest friend anyone could have ever imagined. My words fail me, but there is no way I can fathom, comprehend or even explain the acute pain in my heart.
"We have had the best laughs together, and you would laugh at me for saying this, but you are genuinely the funniest person I have ever met. I am so, so proud to call you my brother Freddie. I have always been so proud of you, but now you are gone I can truly see the impact you had. All of our lives are that much better for having known you."
Pool, of Salt Lane, Winterbourne Gunner, Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court following the attack in Salisbury.
