Rugby player's fatal punch 'self defence'
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.A RUGBY player accused of the manslaughter of a rival during a match told an Old Bailey jury yesterday he had punched out in self-defence and had not meant to kill.
William Hardy, 25, a hooker for the West Drayton-based Centaurs Club, west London, said: 'I was receiving punches and thought I was likely to receive more.'
Mr Hardy, of Chiswick, west London, denies the manslaughter of Seamus Lavelle who was playing for Hendon on 13 March last year. He was felled by a single blow and died from traumatic brain injuries two days later. The trial was adjourned until today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments