Drunken Attack Ends in Tragedy as Mate Dies in Westcliff Blows
Friends Turn Fatal After Boozy Row
A brutal booze-fuelled fight between two homeless men in Westcliff ended in tragedy when one man savagely attacked his friend, leaving him fatally injured. Lucasz Kustra, 37, was found guilty of manslaughter after repeatedly kicking and punching Wojciech Miecznikowski during a violent rant over a stolen phone.
Attack Leaves Victim with 24 Blows
Both Polish nationals and homeless, Kustra and Wojciech had been drinking and begging around Hamlet Court Road and Westcliff Library. On the morning of 22 September 2020, their arguments boiled over. Kustra struck Wojciech multiple times, causing him to collapse. He kept battering him even after he was down.
Wojciech was rushed to the Royal London Hospital but died five days later. A post-mortem revealed he suffered 24 separate blows leading to severe blunt force head trauma—the cause of death.
Manslaughter, Not Murder
Kustra, initially arrested for grievous bodily harm, was re-arrested for murder after Wojciech’s death. He denied murder but admitted heavy drinking and memory loss during the attack. After a two-week trial at Basildon Crown Court, jurors cleared him of murder but convicted him of manslaughter instead.
He awaits sentencing later this August.
Serious Crime Chief Warns on Drinking Dangers
“Lucasz Kustra attacked his friend in a drink-fuelled rage, subjecting him to a sustained attack, ultimately culminating in his death,” said Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
“His actions led to fatal consequences, and he now faces a significant custodial sentence. This case highlights the impact drink and drugs can have and how abusing them can end in tragedy or violence.”
