ITV One Punch Killers: Who killed Matthew Thomas and where is killer Daniel Pickering now?

Code Blue: One Punch Killers takes an in-depth look into three harrowing cases handled by the South Wales Police’s Major Crimes Unit. These cases include two killings and one assault, each involving a single punch that had devastating consequences.

The documentary delves into the roles of alcohol and violent culture in these incidents, offering a poignant examination of how a moment of violence can shatter lives. Through interviews with family members and friends, the film brings to light the emotional aftermath and the struggles of those left behind.

On Tuesday (June 18), the ITV documentary features a thug, who was jailed after murdering a man outside a nightclub. Daniel Pickering murdered Matthew Thomas after punching him with "full force".

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What did Daniel Pickering do to Matthew Thomas?

Daniel Pickering sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Matthew Thomas in Neath which happened in July 2022. Pickering, who lived in Neath, South Wales, at the time of the deadly assault, had spent the day drinking alcohol and taking hundreds of pounds worth of cocaine before killing Matthew Thomas.

On July 15, 2022, Pickering, then 34, approached a stranger in the town centre and asked if he could source drugs. Previously, jurors in the trial were told that Pickering had smoked crack cocaine that fateful evening and had been looking for a fight after being ejected from the bar.

The trial heard how Mr Thomas and the defendant met at the bar in the Arch where Mr Thomas was talking to members of a wedding party. However, an argument broke out between the two men and Pickering was ejected from the premises because of his behaviour.

Instead of leaving the area the defendant hung around outside, and when Mr Thomas left around a quarter of an hour later there was an altercation in the street. The court heard how Mr Thomas was offering no threat to the shirtless Pickering when the defendant suddenly punched him in the face causing him to stumble.

A shirtless Pickering then delivered a "full force" "Mike Tyson" punch to the face which rendered Mr Thomas unconscious and sent him to the floor where he struck his head on the road. As witnesses went to the aid of the injured man Pickering is said to have stood over him swearing and shouting threats that he would "finish him off" before repeatedly punching, kicking him, and stamping on his head, reports WalesOnline.

Mr Thomas - who was known locally as "Brew" - was rushed to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff. However, the following day his family were told his injuries were "unsurvivable" and he died just before 5am on July 16. The court heard he had suffered a torn intracranial artery in the assault which lead to a heart attack and then brain injuries due to lack of blood and oxygen.

How long will Daniel Pickering serve for murdering Matthew Thomas?

Pickering had denied murdering the 47-year-old but was convicted at trial in December 2022. In February 2023, Pickering was sentenced to life in prison, with an 18-year minimum term, for Mr. Thomas' murder.

Judge Geraint Walters described Pickering's actions as an act of "mindless and gratuitous violence" that extinguished the life of Thomas, who was recognised as a happy-go-lucky person who loved life and "didn't have a bad bone in his body."

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Mark Lewis said: “Daniel Pickering’s violent attack on Matthew was senseless and unprovoked and is another example of how the over consumption of alcohol and Class A drugs stimulates aggressive behaviour – resulting in tragic consequences for innocent victims and their families.

"We have seen a number of these types of murders in South Wales and across the UK. Murders of this nature are preventable if people take the time to reflect on their own behaviour.

"I want to appeal for people to consider their behaviour in drink and drugs. Do you become violent? Do you have friends who become violent or who look for fights on a night out? Please take the steps to adjust your behaviour and avoid confrontation.

"Our thoughts today remain with Matthew’s family and friends and I sincerely hope today’s sentence bring them some closure."

Matthew Thomas' family pay tribute

Following the sentence of Pickering in February 2023, Mr. Thomas' family paid to the "kind and happy" person he was. They said in a statement released by South Wales police: "We are all struggling to come to terms with the way he died and make sense of how it could be that a man he didn’t know made the decision that night to take from him his life and his future and by doing so has left such devastation and trauma behind.

"We sat through court and listened to multiple witnesses detail the horror of the attack, we are all still struggling to process the level of violence used and are so distressed to know that whilst Matthew lay on the floor dying, Daniel Pickering continuing to punch and stamp on his head."

The continued: "Matthew was a happy, positive, kind person, he loved life and people. He was a character and the life and soul of the party. He was only 47, a father, son, brother and friend to so many. He is missed so much, in just the short time since his death he has missed so many moments, we always feel as though someone is missing and we always will.

"As a family we welcomed the guilty verdict and the sentence today. It gives us comfort knowing that the murderer Daniel Pickering will not be a danger to the public for at least 18 years.

"It’s not until a life-changing event such as Matthew’s murder that you truly understand the incredible work that people do. We are so grateful for the bystanders, emergency services and NHS staff that worked hard to save Matthew’s life.

"We appreciate beyond words all those that have brought Matthew’s murderer to court and with it achieving the guilty verdict. The ongoing support we have received from the police has helped us through this, knowing that there is always someone to talk to has been invaluable. We thank all those that have been with us throughout this awful time.

"We are hopeful that following today we will be able to move forward and start grieving and remembering Matthew."

Code Blue: One Punch Killers airs tonight ITV1 and ITVX

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