Teenager Detained Indefinitely For Killing Good Samaritan

A teenager has been detained indefinitely for killing a father-of-five after knocking him to the ground with a single punch in Leigh.

Jake Roberts, 17, from Birmingham, was given a Detention of the Public Protection (DPP) at Liverpool Crown Court today.

He must serve a minimum of four years before being considered for parole - but could be detained indefinitely beyond that unless he is considered safe to release after the judge ruled he was a dangerous offender.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter at an earlier hearing. The sentence passed also covers Roberts' conviction for an assault in the West Midlands in October 2010.

On Saturday 26 February 2011, the 45-year-old victim Stephen Garvey had been to see Wigan play Manchester United at the DW Stadium and later went out in Leigh for some drinks.

At 2am the following morning, Stephen left the pub and walked towards the town centre.

Stephen came across a girl on Henry Street, who appeared to be upset and spoke to her to try and comfort her.

Roberts came across Stephen comforting the girl, punched him once and Stephen fell to the ground, hitting his head.

Stephen was taken to hospital but died a short time later from head injuries. His skull had suffered several fractures.

Roberts' friend, also 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had attacked a 33-year-old man outside a taxi office in Leigh shortly before the attack on Stephen Garvey.

The 33-year-old man had been knocked to the ground unconscious with two just punches.

Roberts' friend pleaded guilty to wounding the man and was sentenced to eight months in a Young Offenders' Institute for the attack at a separate hearing.

Senior Investigating Officer Andy Tattersall, from Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team, said: "Stephen was a father and husband and, no doubt, when he saw this young woman looking upset wanted to make sure she was alright - his actions should have been commended - and he certainly should not have been attacked.

"Roberts and his friend might not have intended to cause any harm that night but young men coming-of-age need to realise that their bodies can be powerful weapons and can cause devastating damage like the injuries which ended Stephen Garvey's life when he hit the ground after just one punch.

"Stephen's youngest children will grow up not knowing their father and that should weigh heavily on Roberts' mind for the rest of his life."

(BMcN)