A Castleford man has been jailed after punching a stranger during a night out in Pontefract, causing head injuries that claimed the 25-year-old's life 10 days later.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Dylan Maxwell, 28, had finished his shift as a pub door supervisor before going on to a club in Pontefract on the night of November 18, 2023.

In the early hours of November 19, Maxwell left the club in a taxi and asked the driver to stop on Front Street so he could speak to a woman he had been with earlier that evening.

The woman got into the taxi, the court heard.

As this was happening, 25-year-old Luke Thompson, who was walking nearby, approached the scene.

The court heard that Maxwell and Mr Thompson were strangers.

Maxwell moved towards Mr Thompson and punched him, knocking him to the ground.

When Mr Thompson managed to get back to his feet, unsteady and disorientated, Maxwell struck him again.

Mr Thompson fell backwards, hitting his head on the ground.

He suffered a fracture to the base of his skull and a bleed on the brain, injuries from which he never recovered.

Maxwell fled the scene following the assault.

A short time later, a passing vehicle ran over Mr Thompson as he lay in the road, causing a broken leg and pelvis injuries.

The court heard those injuries did not contribute to his death.

Maxwell was arrested by police a few days later.

Mr Thompson died at Leeds General Infirmary on November 29, 2023, 10 days after the attack.

During a five-day trial at Leeds Crown Court, Maxwell claimed he had acted in self-defence and had “pre-empted an assault”.

Jurors rejected his account and found him guilty of manslaughter on May 11 this year.

Appearing before the same court for sentencing on Tuesday (Jun 23), Maxwell was jailed for 11 years for manslaughter.

He was also sentenced for separate drug offences dating back to December 2021.

After admitting possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of cannabis with intent to supply, Maxwell received an overall sentence of 13 years and 10 months.

Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police said: “My thoughts remain with Luke Thompson’s friends and loved ones. I hope today’s sentence provides some small comfort to them as they move forward with their lives following their devastating loss.

“This is a tragic case that shows just how quickly a night out can turn into tragedy. Too often we see situations escalate through alcohol, frustration or split-second decisions, with devastating consequences for everyone involved.

“At a busy time of year for nightlife, I would urge people to take a moment, walk away from confrontation and think about the lasting impact of their actions. No argument is worth a life.”