Richard Deakin delivered a deadly punch to former colleague Joshua Johnson-Hector outside Savanna cocktail bar in Birmingham, exposing the murky world of door security. The attack, captured on CCTV, was unprovoked; Johnson-Hector did not throw a punch. Deakin, 38, of Halesowen, denied manslaughter, claiming self-defence, but a jury found him guilty. He will be sentenced on October 2.
Background of the Conflict
Deakin, a one-time kickboxer, worked as a 'front of house steward' for companies like Reaper 24/7 but was not licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). He recruited staff for Savanna, keeping a 'little cut' for himself. Trouble between the two dated to July 2025 at Wireless Festival in London, where Deakin refused to let Johnson-Hector bring a friend through without authorization. Johnson-Hector was 'not happy in the slightest,' Deakin testified.
Fatal Encounter
On December 28, 2025, Deakin finished his shift at 4am and encountered Johnson-Hector outside the bar. Deakin claimed he felt scared, describing Johnson-Hector's 'physical size' and 'facial expression' as intimidating. He said he feared a weapon in Johnson-Hector's waistband, though none was found. Deakin punched him with 60% power, causing Johnson-Hector to fall and hit his head. He died the next day from brain damage.
Aftermath and Sentencing
Deakin put Johnson-Hector in the recovery position and left before police arrived, citing fear of retaliation. Johnson-Hector's family called him a 'certified security worker and community leader,' stating: 'We are truly grateful for the partial justice served on behalf of a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, Joshua Johnson-Hector. He was totally innocent, assaulted by someone who should not be involved in the security industry at all. Deakin committed a callous criminal act that killed Joshua and devastated our lives.'
