Bouncer killed football fan with one punch outside pub
A pub bouncer who punched a football fan in the face and killed him has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years.
Aaron Bateman was attacked by Wilfred Fantie, 44, outside the Wheatsheaf pub in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, on February 12 last year, Luton Crown Court heard.
The Dunstable Town fan, 28, had watched their home match with Ardley United with his dad Ian hours before bouncer Fantie launched a ‘powerful punch’ after an argument broke out.
The court heard how Aaron and his dad later met friends before arriving at the Wheatsheaf where a live tribute band was playing.
Later a scuffle broke out, involving Fantie, a female bar worker, and the Batemans after Ian and a friend had been asked to leave for dancing topless, the court heard.
Aaron’s scarf was pulled before he walked away from the pub and out onto the pavement, followed by Fantie, who then punched him.
Prosecutor Peter Shaw said Aaron turned around with his hands open. He said: ‘The defendant delivered a hard left hook and a right hand punch. It knocked him to the ground with such force that he had no time to put his arms out to break the fall.
‘Aaron Bateman was worse for drink and suffered a number of medical conditions. The defendant was a fit and trained doorman and not a real threat to him.
‘He was a doorman who was supposed to protect customers, not attack them.’
CCTV footage was played to the jury which showed Fantie pursuing Aaron as he walked away from the pub, before landing the blow.
Aaron fell to the ground and suffered a traumatic brain injury.
He was taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital bleeding from his left ear but died two days later in intensive care.
Aaron suffered with diabetes and cystic fibrosis and needed regular meals and medication, the court heard.
Judge Michael Simon said: ‘Nothing this court says or does can mend the emptiness in the hearts and lives of Aaron’s family, specifically his dad and sister but his wider family and friends as well.
‘Aaron was pursued at a pace and with determination by the defendant. Dangerousness in my judgement is not a consideration.
‘Aaron had his arms out in nothing more than an innocuous gesture; he was neither confrontational nor threatening.
‘At this point for whatever reason, and on the jury’s verdict with no justification, the defendant punched Aaron Bateman so hard with his left fist he knocked Aaron out cold before Aaron hit the pavement, banging his head without the capacity in any way to break his fall.
‘Delivering a blow in anger of significant force against a defenceless, intoxicated much more slightly built young man who posed no threat to him at all.’
Detective inspector Mark Butler said: ‘This incredibly sad incident has had a devastating effect on the family and friends of Aaron.
‘We hope the message of zero tolerance for violence of this or any kind has been reiterated.
‘Such a tragedy should not have to occur before members of the public are educated on the life-changing effects of violence.’
In a statement after his death, family described Aaron as a ‘kind and gentle soul’.
Ian said in a family statement: ‘As a father I hope you never have to go through what you put us through.’
Aaron’s sister, Charlotte, said Fantie should have known the consequences of his actions.
Describing Aaron, she added: ‘He was kind, gentle and funny.’
After his arrest, Fantie claimed he acted in self-defence and the Batemans caused trouble on earlier occasions.
Defending, Sailesh Mehta said: ‘It was one punch. It was a few seconds of loss of temper.’
Fantie, previously of Henley Road in Bedford and now of Somerset House, Leafield, Luton, denied manslaughter but was convicted by jury. He was sentenced to nine-and-a-half-years in jail.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.