Two men have been jailed for manslaughter following the violent death of James Thorne, 52, who collapsed in a Wythenshawe shop after being brutally attacked in his own home.
Daniel Vesey, 41, of Farncombe Close, Wythenshawe, and Jason Trueman, 40, of Maybury Street, Gorton, were both handed extended prison sentences today at Manchester Crown Court, after earlier pleading guilty to manslaughter and Section 18 wounding with intent.
Brutal Attack Uncovered
The court heard that on the morning of Friday, 14 June 2024, Vesey and Trueman visited James Thorne at his home on Crowhurst Walk. Within just ten minutes of arriving, they launched a violent attack, leaving James with serious head injuries.
Later that afternoon, James collapsed in a store on Altrincham Road, where he told staff he had been assaulted. Emergency services were called, and James was rushed to hospital in critical condition. He remained in intensive care for over two weeks but tragically died of his injuries on 1 July 2024.
Sentencing
- Daniel Vesey received an extended sentence of 19 years and six months
- Jason Trueman was handed an extended sentence of 18 years and 10 months
Both men were identified through CCTV footage and witness accounts, leading to charges soon after James’s death.
Family Devastated by Loss
Following the sentencing, James Thorne’s family released a heartfelt tribute:
“James was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was also a very good friend to many. We are all devastated by his loss—he will be sadly missed by many.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their compassion, kind words, and their huge amount of support through this extremely difficult time—it has helped us more than you can imagine.
“James will always have a special place in all our hearts.”
Police Condemn ‘Dangerous Individuals’
Detective Chief Inspector Duncan Thorpe, Senior Investigating Officer, said:
“Vesey and Trueman are dangerous individuals who have threatened and bullied vulnerable people in the Wythenshawe area for some time. Their violent actions have resulted in James’s death. Regardless of intent, the consequences of their brutality have left a family shattered.”
“We hope today’s sentencing offers the family some degree of closure and justice.”
