One-punch killer jailed after 'cowardly attack'

A one-punch killer has been jailed after he knocked a stranger to the ground in "a cowardly attack" before walking away.

John McGarry intervened to try to stop Ashley McMillan, 31, from assaulting another man.

The 63-year-old was attacked in Broadway, Peterborough, in the early hours of 30 August last year. He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but died on 12 December.

The defendant was initially charged with murder but prosecutors at Peterborough Crown Court accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter. He was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday.

Police inquiries discovered McMillan, of Oundle Road, Peterborough, had initially punched another man who he did not know.

In response to this, McGarry could be seen on CCTV trying to defend the man by throwing his arm out before walking away.

But McMillan followed him and punched him once in the head, knocking him to the ground, said Cambridgeshire Police.

Several members of the public rushed over to help Peterborough man McGarry.

His attacker was arrested at home and was initially charged with grievous bodily harm. with intent.

McGarry's family issued an emotional tribute to their "beloved father, brother, friend".

"John's final act was one of extraordinary selfless courage.

"He intervened to stop Ashley McMillan assaulting another person and, believing the incident had ended, continued on his way," they said.

"Instead, McMillan waited before deliberately launching a cowardly attack from behind, delivering a punch to which John had no opportunity to defend himself.

"That single, spiteful, act robbed his children of their father, our family of a beloved brother and our community of a man who dedicated his life to standing up for others."

They thanked staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, for their "tireless care and compassion", along with those who helped secure McMillian's conviction.

Det Ch Insp Matt Inwood, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: "This was a senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a much-loved relative and left those closest to him facing an unimaginable loss.

"This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that a single punch can have."

He paid tribute to McGarry's family and friends "who have shown great dignity and strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings".

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.