A football enthusiast from Sunderland faces accusations of manslaughter after allegedly delivering a fatal punch to a man outside a convenience store in London, just prior to a Premier League match, as revealed in court proceedings.
Lewis MacLeod, aged 36, made the journey to London from the North East on September 12 for the upcoming game between Sunderland and Crystal Palace. In the early hours of September 13, MacLeod reportedly struck Michael Edwards, a 43-year-old from Warwickshire, with a „forceful punch“ outside a shop located on Borough High Street.
Edwards succumbed to his injuries four days later in the hospital. MacLeod has denied the charge of manslaughter.
Details of the Incident
According to testimony presented at Inner London Crown Court, MacLeod had traveled to London to visit a friend, and the two began their evening at a pub near Kings Cross Station around 4:00 PM BST. Following several hours of drinking, they took a taxi to Elephant and Castle shortly after midnight to continue their night out.
Edwards was also in the vicinity, celebrating a friend’s birthday with drinks. Prosecutor Philip Evans stated, „From analysis of all of the footage of the various pubs, it can be established that both the defendant and Mr. Edwards had been drinking alcohol throughout the evening.“ He further noted that there was evidence suggesting both men had also used cocaine.
Footage and Evidence
Jurors were presented with video evidence showing MacLeod attempting to shake hands with Edwards, followed by repeated attempts to touch Edwards inappropriately, which Edwards rejected. Further CCTV footage captured moments later depicted MacLeod, dressed in white shorts and a zip-up hoodie, throwing a punch that struck the right side of Edwards‘ head.
Following the punch, Edwards was seen falling backward onto the street, hitting his head. The court heard that blood was visible on the pavement when he was subsequently moved.
In a related matter, MacLeod has previously acknowledged a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm against another individual, stemming from an incident where he punched a man who was checking on Edwards.
The trial is ongoing.
Bildquelle: Unsplash / Danish Ibrahim
