'Our brother was no angel but he didn't deserve to die at hands of boxer-turned-dealer'
The family of a dad-of-two who was killed by a trained boxer said they will always love and remember him, as his killer was jailed.
Daniel Allsop, 38, suffered a ruptured spleen caused by two powerful blows from boxer turned drug dealer Mali Wright. Daniel was known to friends and family as a ‘mild mannered man’ who had moved from Nottinghamshire to Blackpool. However his drug use spiralled and his life became "chaotic" while he was living in the resort.
On October 2, Daniel collapsed at the door of McDonalds after staggering away from a forceful attack by Mali Wright, who was running a thriving drug business in the town. Daniel was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery to remove his damaged spleen, but could not be saved.
READ MORE: Boxer Mali Wright jailed for killing Daniel Allsop in 'brutal' Blackpool attack
His family travelled from Nottinghamshire to be by his bedside but after two days faced the heartbreaking decision to allow life support to be withdrawn. He died on October 4, surrounded by his loved ones.
His sister Amy Austin described Daniel as "cheeky chap", who was always quick witted with his one liners. "He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone," she added. "He adored his family and we adored him. We know he was no angel but he absolutely didn’t deserve to die. Daniel was ours and we will always love and remember him."
Daniel was the oldest of four siblings and his brother and sisters have been deeply affected by his death. They spoke of suffering sleepless nights and flashbacks to seeing their brother in hospital, knowing he was being kept alive by machines.
His mother is anxious about leaving home and “struggles every day, knowing she will not be able to see Daniel”. Wright, who was staying in Central Drive when he attacked Daniel, has been sentenced to 14 and a half years for manslaughter and offences linked to his thriving drug dealing business.
Preston Crown Court heard how the profrssional boxer would accept cash or stolen goods or clothing in return for heroin and crack cocaine. Daniel had handed over a TV to Wright to pay a debt, but when Wright discovered the TV didn’t work he messaged Daniel, saying: “You’re taking the p**s.”
Daniel replied that he had only just been told the TV did not work. Another drug user offered to settle the debt, but Wright was not interested. He met with Daniel at his drug dealing location, near a telephone kiosk, and launched a powerful attack. As Daniel tried to run away, Wright caught up with him and landed at least two blows to his back, which broke his ribs and ruptured his spleen.
The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, said: “This was an attack by someone who was a powerful athlete who even by the standards of a boxer had a powerful punch. You attacked a ten and a half stone man who was addicted to drugs. The force used was considerable and there was more than one blow.
“It is plain that as a drug dealer you needed to assert your authority over Daniel. This was not violence that was spontaneous - this was strictly business.” Wright was convicted of manslaughter following a trial at Preston Crown Court.