Luke Thompson, a father of two. suffered a fractured skill and a bleed on the brain before dying in hospital 10 days later — now, his family hope the harrowing footage will warn others
A grieving family has today released heartbreaking footage of their son’s fatal attack in the hope of stopping another senseless death.
Luke Thompson, 25, died after Dylan Maxwell punched him during a confrontation, causing the young dad to fall and suffer fatal head injuries. Mr Thompson suffered a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain before dying in hospital 10 days later.
Speaking after Maxwell was sentenced to 11 years for manslaughter, Mr Thompson’s family made tribute to the dad of two and said they want others to watch the devastating footage of the attack.
Speaking about the decision to release the footage, 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.”
Maxwell, a 28-year-old bouncer, was convicted of manslaughter following the altercation, which happened in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, in the early hours of November 19, 2023.
The defendant had claimed self-defence, but he was jailed for 13 years and 10 months on Tuesday June 23 after being found guilty at Leeds Crown Court.
Mr Thompson’s loved ones have now released the CCTV footage of his final moments, which was played during the trial, in a bid to warn others. The clip shows Mr Thompson facing Maxwell on a road before drug-dealing bouncer Maxwell causes the victim to stumble backwards. Mr Thompson then shoves Maxwell away before the bouncer follows him down the street and deals his fatal blow, leaving the young father lying unconscious in the road.
After the attack, Maxwell walks away, leaving Mr Thompson lying on the dual carriageway where he was struck by a passing car, suffering a broken leg and pelvic injuries. The court heard those injuries did not contribute to his death.
Sentencing Maxwell, Judge Robin Mairs said his decision to leave Luke lying in the road before walking away showed “the malice of the attack”.
He said: “Luke Thompson was no threat to you at any stage. You had struck and knocked him down and made whatever misguided or arrogant point you wanted to make.”
The judge said Luke had fallen to the ground after he was punched before getting up and being punched to the floor again.
The court heard Maxwell attacked Luke after the father-of-two approached him while he was arguing with his ex-girlfriend. A taxi drive who gave evidence at the trial said Luke had threatened to punch Maxwell after the pair exchanged words.
The judge said to Maxwell, who appeared in court via video link from HMP Leeds: “You could have left matters there, but you decided to inflict further violence on an obviously dazed or unsteady man.”
At the time of the fatal attack, Luke was expecting his third child with his son was born on Christmas Day, just weeks after his death.
In a victim impact statement, Luke’s mother Michelle said: “We live with the pain of losing him every day. It is a scar in our lives that will never leave. The impact of losing him is something that has affected the whole family differently.
“Some are suffering from mental health [issues] [sic]. This is something that has been going on since losing Luke, and I think it will continue long into the future.
“Luke never got the chance to meet his son, that chance was taken away from him. 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.”
Maxwell was also sentenced over separate drug offences after admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, as well as possessing steroids. The judge described him as a “street-level dealer”.
Following the sentencing, 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 as they move forward with their lives following their devastating loss.
“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.”