Boxer faces life term after jury finds him guilty of murdering father outside bar

Bradley Hinkler aimed a “devastating” right hook to victim Thomas Gower’s face outside a bar.

Hinkler, 20, had earlier delivered a knockout blow to Mr Gower’s friend Richard Howard, who believed the boxer had injured two of his friends in a brawl.

Mr Gower, 26, died eight days after the assault outside Alibi bar in Sheffield city centre.

Hinkler, of Woodthorpe, Sheffield was found guilty of murdering Mr Gower and assaulting Mr Howard, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court. He will be sentenced later this month.

After the hearing Det Supt Andy Thompson, who led the inquiry, said: “Bradley Hinkler was out with friends and was clearly intending to get involved in violence.

“As an experienced and talented amateur boxer he should have known better.”

Mr Gower and Mr Howard were in Alibi with friends on December 18, last year when Hinkler arrived at the bar.

When a fight broke out on the dancefloor Hinkler joined in. The two friends of Mr Gower and Mr Howard were injured and Hinkler left the club with his friend.

Mr Gower went outside a few minutes later with Mr Howard, who was “verbally aggressive” before Hinkler punched him, saying “Don’t mess with me.”

Mr Gower tried to run away but Hinkler chased him and threw a right hook. Witnesses said he was unconscious before he hit the ground.

Mr Gower died after suffering a skull fracture from the fall and a broken jaw caused by the punch.

After the verdict, Det Supt Thompson said: “Thomas Gower was a hard-working family man of good character, the father to two young boys.”

Mr Gower’s parents Keith and Susan said: “We can only hope that a lesson can be learned from the events, and that is that young men start to realise that the answer to their differences is not achieved by violence.”