One-Punch Killer’s Jail Term Boosted After Shocking Death Outside Kebab Shop
Fatal Blow Strikes Guildford Night Out
A 23-year-old man from Guildford has had his manslaughter sentence upped after delivering a deadly single punch to a stranger outside a kebab shop. Barney Coyle’s original 7-year-and-6-month sentence was slammed as too lenient and boosted to 9 years and 9 months by the Court of Appeal.
From Night Out to Nightmare
In the early hours of 12 October 2019, the trouble began after Coyle was kicked out of the kebab shop for aggressive behaviour and throwing punches at a customer. Nearby, 24-year-old Jamie Smith was waiting for a pre-booked minicab after a night out with friends. When Jamie’s cab arrived, Coyle, a complete stranger, leapt inside, forcing the driver to explain the booking to get him out.
Cowardly Punch Ends Life
Without warning, Coyle lunged from behind and punched Jamie Smith hard in the head. Jamie was knocked out cold, hitting his head on the pavement. Rushed to hospital, he sadly died from a fatal brain injury.
Justice Served After Solicitor General’s Referral
Coyle fled but was arrested later that day. Initially sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on 6 January 2020, the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, deemed the punishment too soft and pushed for a harsher sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.
“The offender launched a cowardly, callous attack on a defenceless victim which cost the victim his life,” said Ellis. “Increasing the length of the sentence was necessary for justice to be done. I hope this brings some comfort to the victim’s family.”
