The family of Luke Thompson, a 25-year-old father of two, has released devastating CCTV footage of his fatal attack to warn the public that a single punch can kill. Thompson died 10 days after being punched by bouncer Dylan Maxwell in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, on November 19, 2023. He suffered a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.
Attack Details and Sentencing
Maxwell, 28, was convicted of manslaughter at Leeds Crown Court and sentenced on June 23, 2026, to 13 years and 10 months in prison. He had claimed self-defence, but Judge Robin Mairs rejected this, stating that Thompson was no threat and that Maxwell's decision to leave him lying on a dual carriageway showed 'the malice of the attack.' The court heard that after the punch, Thompson was struck by a passing car, causing a broken leg and pelvic injuries, though these did not contribute to his death.
Family's Warning
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. 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 prevent further tragedies.
Victim's Background
Thompson was expecting his third child at the time of the attack; his son was born on Christmas Day 2023, weeks after his death. In a victim impact statement, his mother Michelle said: '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.'
Additional Offences
Maxwell was also sentenced for separate drug offences, including possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, as well as possessing steroids. The judge described him as a 'street-level dealer.'
Police Response
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police said: 'My thoughts remain with Luke Thompson’s friends and loved ones. I hope today’s sentence provides some small comfort to them. 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. At a busy time of year for nightlife, I would urge people to take a moment, walk away from confrontation and think about the lasting impact of their actions. No argument is worth a life.'
