Man Sentenced Over Fatal Neck Restraint in Shocking Garage Attack
Ben Hunt, 32, has been sentenced at Stafford Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges linked to the death of Christopher Walters in a tragic 2019 incident. The sentencing took place on Friday, April 16, following an earlier guilty plea on March 5.
Deadly Chase After Sledgehammer Attack
The court heard that on May 15, 2019, Hunt and a colleague were working at a garage on Speedwall Street, Longton, when the alarm of an Audi suddenly blared out around 2pm. Outside, 25-year-old Christopher Walters was smashing the car with a sledgehammer.
Hunt and his colleague chased Walters, who was still wielding the hammer, down Wood Street. They caught him about 400 metres away on a grassy patch. Several witnesses – passers-by, drivers, and residents – watched as the men took Walters to the ground and restrained him.
Tragic Death Following Excessive Force
Police arrived, capturing footage on body cameras showing Walters being held in a neck restraint. He was rushed to hospital but tragically died shortly after, just after 4pm. The post-mortem revealed his death was caused by “compression of the neck,” with extensive bruising also found on his face, chest, arms, and hands.
Hunt claimed his use of force was reasonable and in self-defence. However, Detective Inspector Alan Lyford labelled the incident “sad and tragic.” He stated:
“The court heard that the force used to restrain him was excessive and went on for a long time, leading to his death. This is a truly tragic case and we offer our condolences to Mr Walters’ family. We would also thank those people who got in touch after witnessing this incident. It must’ve been distressing for them but they have assisted us in establishing what happened that afternoon.”
Colleague Also Linked to Case Dies
Hunt’s colleague, who faced manslaughter charges related to the incident, passed away in March, adding another tragic twist to the case.
