Joshua Johnson-Hector, a 31-year-old doorman, died after being punched once by fellow bouncer Richard Deakin outside the Savanna cocktail bar on Bristol Street in Birmingham city centre. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 28 last year. Johnson-Hector suffered a serious head injury when he fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement. He was taken to hospital but died.
Guilty Verdict
Richard Deakin, 38, from Moorfield Drive, Halesowen, was found guilty of manslaughter following a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court. His family released a statement saying: 'We are truly grateful for the partial justice served on behalf of a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, Joshua Johnson-Hector.'
They added: '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.'
Details of the Attack
CCTV footage showed Johnson-Hector approaching the door of the Savanna bar. Deakin punched him once, causing him to fall to the floor backwards where he hit his head on the pavement and remained motionless. Deakin then put Johnson-Hector on his side before a vehicle pulled up and he left the scene. Officers tracked the vehicle to his address where he was arrested.
Deakin told police he punched Johnson-Hector because he felt threatened, but investigators found no evidence to support this claim.
Family's Response
Johnson-Hector's family said: 'Joshua was certified security staff, an avid community leader whose life was stolen by a steward for inconceivable reasons but we are pleased the truth prevailed in this trial.' They thanked the jury, Crown Prosecution Service, and police for their work.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Nigel Box, who led the investigation, said: 'This was a really tragic case where a man lost his life due to Deakin's mindless actions. It was a needless loss of life. Mr Johnson-Hector was much loved by his family and our thoughts go out to them. I hope this conviction helps to bring them some comfort as they continue to come to terms with their loss.'
Deakin is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2.
