Night-club bouncer gets life for killing man on beach
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
A night-club bouncer who attacked a man on Blackpool beach and drowned him in the sea was jailed for life yesterday.
Gary Ward, 20, kicked and jumped on Mark White near the Central Pier, hitting him several times with a knuckle-duster, Preston Crown Court was told. He then held Mr White's head under the water with his boot until he drowned. He admitted murder.
James Docherty, 19, who took part in the attack, was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to manslaughter, and number of unrelated offences including robbery, assault, and deception.
The court was told that Mr White, 25, from Radcliffe, Manchester, was working at a Blackpool hotel. He was attacked by the two men - both from Blackpool - as he walked back to his digs on 7 September last year. A post- mortem examination revealed he suffered 71 injuries, including 14 fractured ribs.
The court was told that Ward and Docherty worked for a firm which provided doormen for pubs. Mr White was attacked because they believed he had given them trouble a few days earlier. Ward was said to have completely lost control. Docherty, who denied involvement in the drowning, 'felt he was teaching a disobedient customer a lesson'. Both men will begin their sentences in a young offenders' institution.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments