Man, 35, who killed grandfather, 54, in violent one-punch attack in pub car park after his victim ruffled his hair is jailed for five years
- Luke Pocock, 54, died after sustaining a substantial head injury in the attack
- Paul Lyal-Venables, 35, admitted manslaughter and was jailed five years
A man who killed a grandfather with a single punch in a violent attack in a pub car park has been jailed five years.
Paul Lyal-Venables, 35, hit Luke Pocock causing him to fall and sustain a substantial head injury in July last year. The 54-year-old market trader was taken to hospital but died less than a month later.
Lyal-Venables, from St Agnes, Cornwall, initially said he acted in self-defence but later admitted causing Mr Pocock’s death and pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a pretrial hearing in March.
Mr Pocock ran a market stall in Truro, Cornwall, and was ‘loved to bits’ according to family and friends. His loved ones described him as a ‘wonderful man’ who was a ‘lover not a fighter’.
Paul Lyal-Venables, 35, (pictured) from St Agnes, Cornwall, killed a ‘much loved’ grandfather with a single punch in a violent attack in a pub car park. Today he was jailed for five years
Police were called to reports of a serious assault outside the Railway Social Club in Truro at around 10.30pm on July 2 last year, Truro Crown Court heard.
Lyal-Venables arrived at the pub that evening after having just come off of a Pubwatch ban which he was issued for previous violence, prosecutor Lee Bremridge told the court, according to Cornwall Live.
Lyal-Venables attacked Mr Pocock after having ‘taken exception’ to the grandfather ruffling another pub patron’s hair, something he is understood to have ‘commonly’ done with his friends.
The assailant left the pub after having seen Mr Pocock in the car park, jogged over and punched him in a ‘random and completely unprovoked attack’, the court heard.
The grandfather hit the floor and sustained a head injury. The prosecution said that Lyal-Venables had tried to lift his victim up before he was asked to leave the pub.
Mr Pocock was taken to Derriford Hospital’s specialist head injuries unit where he remained until treatment was withdrawn and he died on July 28, 2022.
Lyal-Venables hit Luke Pocock (pictured) causing him to fall and sustain a substantial head injury in July last year. The 54-year-old market trader was taken to hospital but sadly died less than a month later
Dieter Kehler, representing Lyal-Venables, told the court that on the night of the attack, his client was meant to be looking after his terminally ill father, who has since passed away.
Lyal-Venables went to the pub after having an ‘unexpected night off’ from care taking. It is understood that he downed 10 pints before throwing the punch ‘without warning’.
The 35-year-old was initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but was further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after Mr Pocock passed away.
Lyal-Venables, who initially told police he acted in self defence, realised he ‘misunderstood’ the situation involving Mr Pocock after having been shown CCTV, the defence attorney said. He also wished to apologise to the Pocock family.
‘He has responsibility for two of his own children as well as two of his partner. He has matured and set up his own roofing business,’ Mr Kehler told the court. ‘His Pubwatch appeal was successful due to the number of years he’s been out of trouble.’
Judge Simon Carr today, noting Lyal-Venables’ ‘genuine remorse’, previous convictions and recent Pubwatch listing, sentenced him to five years in jail.
The incident occurred outside the Railway Social Club in Truro (pictured). Lyal-Venables initially said he acted in self-defence but later admitted causing Mr Pocock’s death and pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a pretrial hearing in March this year
‘Your violence and deliberate actions resulted in the untimely death of Luke Pocock who was 54-years-old. He was described as kind, generous and warm-hearted,’ the judge told Lyal-Venables.
‘I have read two moving victim impact statements and the effect of Mr Pocock’s death to his family have been devastating. They will live with them for the rest of their lives.’
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Rob Smith spoke after the sentencing at Truro Crown Court.
He said: ‘This was a tragic incident which led to Luke Pocock sadly losing his life last year. The evidence has shown that Luke was assaulted in what was an unnecessary and senseless attack.
‘This may have involved only a single punch, but the consequences have caused absolute devastation to the family and friends of all involved.
‘I hope this incident will serve as a warning to others of the risks inherent in using violence against others and the damage that can cause.’
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