Boy, 16, jailed for killing good Samaritan with single punch

A teenager has been detained for four years for killing a pub landlord with a single punch.

Mark Winchcombe, 58, went to the aid of another person who was being attacked when he was hit by 16-year-old Drew Jones.

He suffered fatal injuries in the incident in the early hours of 1 September 2019, outside the Smiths Arms pub in Neath, South Wales.

Jones, of Waunceirch, Neath, denied manslaughter but was convicted by a jury at Swansea Crown Court following a trial earlier this month.

A judge lifted an anonymity order following an application by journalists from WalesOnline.

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In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Winchcombe’s widow Christine said her husband’s death had changed her family’s life forever – including losing her home and business.

She described him as the “ life and soul of the pub” and said his passing had a “profound effect on the community”.

Mrs Winchcombe said: “Mark was a much-loved man, he was always on hand to help anybody. That’s what Mark was doing on that fateful night and he paid the ultimate price with his life.

“It is only with the love and support of my wonderful family and friends from the pub that my son and I have got through the last six months.

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“We were married for 23 years. Not only did I lose my husband, I lost my best friend and the man I could turn to about anything.

“He was the protective figure to my son and I – he made us feel safe. He was a loving and generous man, and I saw my whole future with Mark.

Mrs Winchcombe said her husband’s mother Joan took his death particularly hard.

Detective Superintendent Darren George, of South Wales Police, added: “Mark’s life was needlessly cut short after he went to the aid of another person in the street.

“This case yet again sends out a clear message of how disorderly behaviour can end in tragedy.