Three men have been found guilty of manslaughter after brutally assaulting a man who died days later from his injuries.
The Fatal Assault on Ketts Hill
The victim, 39-year-old Matthew Griggs, was attacked multiple times on 19 September 2023 on Ketts Hill, Norwich. Matthew and his partner had spent the previous evening at a residential address on Ketts Hill, invited by John McDonnell, who was joined by Johnathan Bristow, Andrew Gough, and Daniel Carroll. Matthew’s partner left briefly to go to the shop on the morning of the 19th. Upon returning, she found Matthew lying on the floor with blood coming from his head. Despite police arriving at the scene, Matthew refused medical help and left without making a statement.
Tragic Death Days After Attack
Following the assault, Matthew and his partner stayed in a tent in Sprowston for a few nights. On 23 September, his partner raised the alarm after she couldn’t wake him. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. A postmortem revealed Matthew died from a collapsed lung and haemothorax, with fractured ribs and blunt force trauma to the chest.
Justice Served After Long Investigation
After warrants were executed in October 2023, McDonnell, Bristow, Carroll, and Gough were arrested on suspicion of murder. Gough died before trial. The remaining three were charged with manslaughter in March 2025. Following a four-week trial, Johnathan Bristow, 46, Daniel Carroll, 29, and John McDonnell, 44, were convicted at Norwich Crown Court on 13 April 2026.
“This has been a long and complex investigation,” said Detective Inspector Alix Wright. “Today’s conviction marks a significant moment for everyone involved—most importantly, for the victim’s family. We hope this brings them some measure of comfort as they cope with their loss.”
Sentencing dates for the three convicts will be announced later.
