Felixstowe man, 29, convicted of manslaughter after ‘one punch’ led to death of dog walker

A 29-year-old man has been convicted of manslaughter.

Daniel Martin, 29, of Felix Road, Felixstowe, had denied the charge - but was today convicted by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court.

On Saturday, August 10, last year emergency services were called to reports of an assault at the promenade near to Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe.

The following morning police were called by the ambulance service to a property in Carr Road, Felixstowe, where Charlie Stephen David Greaves, 25, from Ipswich, was found dead.

During the trial the court was told that Charlie had suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the assault.

Comments had been made by a group that Martin was with, about Charlie’s dog, which was not on a lead, before an argument took place between the pair.

Martin was witnessed to have hit Charlie in the face, before he fell back and hit his head.

Charlie was unconscious for a period, suffering a serious head injury.

He was treated by paramedics and returned to the property in Carr Road, where he died.

On Monday, August 12, officers arrested Martin, then aged 28, on suspicion of murder.

Martin was initially charged with murder before the indictment was changed to manslaughter.

Martin denied the charge but was convicted by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court.

His sentencing will now take place at Ipswich Crown Court on July 4.

Detective Inspector Mark Hughes, who led the investigation, said: “My thoughts go out to the family of Charlie during what has been a very difficult period for them.

“They have shown immense bravery throughout the investigation, attending every day of the trial.

“While this conviction can bring some closure for Charlie’s family, it does not ease the pain of losing a loved one.

“This was a particularly difficult investigation, and I would like to thank all those that supported the police throughout our enquiries and the dedication shown by the investigation team.

“What started out as a disagreement two strangers about a dog on a sunny evening on the seaside led to the death of a young man.

“This is a stark reminder of the consequences of getting involved in physical violence.

“No matter your intentions, one punch could change the lives of so many people in an instant.”