Torquay man jailed for manslaughter

Man he punched in head died

A Torquay man is starting a prison sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Craig Harrison, 46, of Tor Church Road, Torquay, admitted killing Timothy Smith, 69, from Brixham, in March 2021.

Mr Smith was treated at Torbay District Hospital and discharged later that day but collapsed at his home a week later. Despite being operated on for a bleed on the brain at Derriford Hospital, his condition deteriorated, and he died 16 days after the assault.

At a sentencing hearing, Plymouth Crown Court heard that Harrison punched Mr Smith in the head.

In a police interview, a witness described that he was working in Victoria Street, Paignton, at around 6.45 a.m. when he was approached by Harrison who appeared to be drunk and was slurring his words and remained in the area after they had had a conversation.

At around 7 a.m, Mr Smith went as usual to some local shops and visited his brother who lived nearby, before starting work renovating his home.

The witness said he became aware of Harrison approaching with an angry expression and aggressive body language. He said he bumped chests with Mr Smith and without warning, punched the victim on the left side of his head.

The witness stepped between the two men and tried to calm the situation. 

After being discharged without being admitted to Torbay Hospital, Mr Smith collapsed a week later and was taken to Derriford Hospital where he was operated on to remove a large amount of blood on his brain.

He died on Saturday 27 March 2021.

A week before Mr Smith died, Harrison was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He denied punching anyone but was further arrested on Sunday 28 March on suspicion of murder and on Thursday 10 November, he was also arrested for failing to answer his bail. He has been in custody since.

Harrison pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month and is now starting a prison term of five years and four months. He will have to serve two-thirds before he can be released on licence.

Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, of the major crime investigation team, said: “Timothy Smith was going about his daily business when he was subjected to an unprovoked attack by Harrison.

“Although it was a single punch, it led to Timothy’s death and has had a devastating effect on his family.

“Violence against anyone has no place in a civil society and Devon and Cornwall Police will always do the utmost to investigate these matters and bring offenders to justice.

“I thank and commend all those involved in this investigation - the Major Crime Investigation Team, experts, prosecution team and members of the public who have assisted and provided evidence in this case.

“My deepest condolences go to Timothy’s family and those who knew him. I hope that today’s sentence will bring comfort and closure for them.”