Sunderland football fan Lewis MacLeod cleared of manslaughter over one-punch death | OneFootball

Sunderland football fan Lewis MacLeod, 36, has been found not guilty of manslaughter after a single punch in central London led to fatal brain injuries. A jury at Inner London Crown Court cleared him following a trial.

According to Sunderland Echo, Michael Edwards, 43, fell and struck his head on Borough High Street on 13 September and died in hospital four days later.

He had travelled from the North East for a Premier League match between Sunderland and Crystal Palace and spent hours drinking with friend David Jackson. There was evidence both men had used cocaine.

By about 1.40am both groups were at Belushi’s on Borough High Street. MacLeod and Jackson were asked to leave while Mr Edwards and James Roberts vaped outside, CCTV showed MacLeod trying to shake hands, then to touch Mr Edwards’s groin.

The pair gestured, spoke to security, then followed to a nearby Food and Wine store. In the confrontation MacLeod punched Mr Edwards, who fell to the pavement, and a fight broke out inside.

MacLeod told the court he was scared and acted in self-defence, fearing serious harm from the two men. He wept in the dock as the verdict was delivered.

He admitted assault causing actual bodily harm against Mr Roberts and will be sentenced in June. He said he took more cocaine after the fight and later struggled to recall events. Mr Roberts denies affray and awaits trial.

Source: Sunderland Echo