The family of Luke Thompson, a 25-year-old father of two, have released harrowing CCTV footage of the moment he was fatally punched by a bouncer, hoping to prevent similar tragedies. The footage shows the assault in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, on November 19, 2023, which left Thompson with a fractured skull and bleed on the brain. He died in hospital ten days later.
Family's plea to public
Luke's sister Denise said: "We have given permission to show people out there that one punch can kill, hoping it doesn't happen to anyone else's family. Yeah, it's not nice to watch, but it's putting it out there, you don't have to have a brawl for five or ten minutes, it could take a matter of seconds to kill someone." The family hopes the footage will serve as a stark warning about the dangers of a single punch.
Jail sentence for bouncer
Dylan Maxwell, 28, a drug-dealing bouncer, was convicted of manslaughter at Leeds Crown Court. On June 23, 2026, he was sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in prison. He had claimed self-defence, but the jury rejected his account. The judge, Robin Mairs, said Maxwell's decision to leave Thompson lying in the road after the attack demonstrated "the malice of the attack."
Details of the attack
The CCTV shows Thompson confronting Maxwell after an argument with his ex-girlfriend. Thompson pushed Maxwell, who then pursued him and delivered the fatal punch. Maxwell then walked away, leaving Thompson unconscious on a dual carriageway, where he was hit by a car, suffering a broken leg and pelvic injuries. The court heard those injuries did not contribute to his death.
Victim impact
Luke's mother Michelle said in a victim impact statement: "We live with the pain of losing him every day. It is a scar in our lives that will never leave. Three children will now grow up not knowing their dad. No sentence will ever take away the pain we have suffered over the past three years." Luke's third child was born on Christmas Day 2023, weeks after his death.
Additional charges
Maxwell was also sentenced for drug offences, including possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of steroids. The judge described him as a "street-level dealer."
Police comment
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police said: "My thoughts remain with Luke Thompson's friends and loved ones. This is a tragic case that shows just how quickly a night out can turn into tragedy. Too often we see situations escalate through alcohol, frustration or split-second decisions, with devastating consequences for everyone involved. No argument is worth a life."
