A man from Wales has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for manslaughter after the tragic death of a former coworker. Jason Thomas, 40, fatally injured 22-year-old Liam Morgan-Whittle during a reckless “punching game” that followed a night out.
The incident took place on March 24, 2023. After a night of drinking and drug use, Thomas and Morgan-Whittle, who had previously worked at the same construction company, began challenging each other about who could take a punch better. This led to Thomas punching Morgan-Whittle twice, knocking him unconscious. Despite efforts by emergency services, Morgan-Whittle later died from the injuries he sustained.
In a heartfelt statement, Morgan-Whittle’s mother expressed the profound pain and devastation her family has experienced since losing her son. She emphasized that Liam was not taken from them due to illness or accident—he was killed, which makes the loss even harder to bear.
The court heard that after enjoying a jovial evening, the atmosphere turned aggressive as the two men began their dangerous game. Witnesses reported that the punches were delivered with significant force, ultimately leading to Morgan-Whittle’s cardiac arrest.
During the trial, the defense argued that Thomas did not intend for Liam to be seriously hurt or to die. However, the judge pointed out that the incident was fueled by excessive alcohol and drug use, which clouded Thomas’s judgment.
Morgan-Whittle’s mother reflected on the dreams and future that were taken away from her son, who was just beginning to forge his path in life. She described Liam as a loving and vibrant young man whose life was tragically cut short. The family continues to grapple with the loss, hoping no one else has to endure such heartbreak.
