Six years in jail for man found guilty of manslaughter after Sheffield assault death

The victim, Daniel Brelsford, had been with Liam Morris and three other men on West One, Devonshire Street, on August 31.

Jurors at Sheffield Crown Court heard how Morris, 21, hit Mr Brelsford in the face after attempting to walk away with an item that Mr Brelsford was trying to sell to him.

CCTV footage showed Morris striking Mr Brelsford before leaving with the other men.

Mr Brelsford, who was from Sheffield, had fallen back when he was struck, hit his head and fell unconscious for a time as a result.

Once he regained consciousness, Mr Brelsford made his way towards Devonshire Green.

A member of the public called an ambulance after he was seen laid motionless and with blood on his head and arms.

He was taken to hospital where he died from his head injury five days later.

Morris, of no fixed abode, was identified along with the other men after police spoke to witnesses and reviewed CCTV footage.

After all of them were questioned, he was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

He denied being responsible for Mr Brelsford's death, but was found guilty by jurors on Wednesday following a trial.

Today he was sentenced to six years in prison with a further three years on extended licence.

Detective Inspector John Fitzgibbons, who led the South Yorkshire Police investigation, said: “Liam Morris hit Daniel Breslford before walking away and leaving him with serious injuries. He had no regard for the harm he had caused to Mr Brelsford, leaving him laid unconscious and vulnerable without a second thought to the detrimental harm he had caused.

“Although I am pleased with the result we have achieved today, this verdict offers little solace to Daniel’s family who have had to come to terms with what has happened.

“I can only imagine what his family have been through and I just hope the justice achieved today, will enable Daniel’s family to begin grieving their loss and move forwards knowing Liam Morris is now being punished for his actions.”