Three men sentenced for Creswell attack which led to death of man

David Thompson had been out in Creswell drinking on the evening of Friday 26 January earlier this year.

During the same night Brandon Brooks and Ben Hart had also been out and had an altercation with another group. In an effort to find one of the men involved the pair picked up their friend Michael McCann and drove round the town in the early hours of the following day in an effort to locate him.

David, who happened to be wearing very similar clothes to the man the trio were looking for, was spotted by the group in Elmton Road - where Brooks jumped out of the van driven by Hart and punched him once to the head.

David collapsed to floor but, despite being rushed to hospital, he died on 15 February after spending 19 days in a coma.

The three were arrested and initially charged with murder – but later pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• Brooks 24, of Fairfield Close, Nether Langwith – pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
• Hart, 20, of Skinner Street, Creswell – pleaded guilty to assisting an offender.
• McCann, 38, of Markham Road, Chesterfield – pleaded guilty to Section 4 Public Order.

The trio were sentenced today (21 August) at Derby Crown Court.  Brooks was jailed for five years; Hart was sentenced to nine months imprisonment and McCann was jailed for 12 weeks.

In a victim impact statement for the court, Mr Thompson’s daughter Emma described the pain felt by his family and friends following his loss.

She said: “The events have shattered our lives, leaving my brothers and I without a father and my son without their grandad. His loss has been felt far and wide throughout our wider family and friends.

“I still cannot accept that my dad won’t come home one day. As much as I know that he is dead, I fully expect him to walk through my door or to call me on the phone.

“My mind is filled constantly with thoughts of my dad’s death how he felt at the time he was hurt and that he was left there on the side of the road, injured, in pain and alone.

“I have many friends who have also been devastated by the death of David – many of whom are still struggling to come to terms with his absence. When I talk to our friends, many speak of how they feel as though they have lost their one true friend – for many, David was the person to whom they turned to.”

Detective Inspector Maria Pleace led the investigation into Mr Thompson’s death. She said: "Our thoughts are with David's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The actions of Brandon Brooks, Ben Hart, and Michael McCann were senseless, leading to devastating and irreversible consequences.

“This case serves as a stark reminder of the truly horrific outcome that can result from a few moments of senseless violence. No outcome could ever bring David back to them, and I truly hope that they will now be able to rebuild their lives.”