Electrician’s deadly punch ends bank boss’s life six months later
Fatal Mistake in Soho Brawl
Steven Allan, 34, landed three savage punches on Paul Mason after wrongly suspecting him of stealing a friend’s mobile phone. The victim, 52, CEO of 1 National Bank, was knocked unconscious during the attack in Soho and died six months later from severe head injuries.
Not Guilty of Murder but Faces Manslaughter Charge
Allan, from Hook, Hampshire, admitted manslaughter but denied intending serious harm. After a tense retrial at the Old Bailey, jurors took 24 hours to clear him of murder. Judge Michael Topolski KC warned Allan a substantial prison sentence was inevitable and extended his conditional bail pending sentencing scheduled for March 23.
Shocking CCTV and Witness Accounts Tell The Story
- Mr Mason was with friends on December 15, 2020, at The Ivy Club in Soho.
- He left after helping a female friend into a taxi, then was attacked near West Street.
- Allan, meanwhile, had been out drinking and was caught on CCTV entering a Chinese restaurant before the assault.
- Witnesses saw Allan approach Mason, attempt to grab something, then punch him repeatedly, knocking Mason’s head onto the pavement.
- Before fleeing, Allan took Mason’s phone, shouting, “That’s my friend’s phone. He stole the phone from one of my friends.”
- Mason showed no aggression during the attack, according to prosecution.
Tragic Aftermath and Sentencing
Paul Mason died on June 4, 2021, from injuries sustained in the unprovoked assault. Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC said Allan’s belief Mason stole the phone was baseless and fueled by drink. She described the attack as “fists only” with no weapons involved.
“Make no mistake, a substantial term of imprisonment will be the end result in this case,” Judge Topolski warned Allan.
Sentencing is set for March 23 at the Old Bailey. The court extended condolences to Mason’s family and friends for their long, painful journey through the saga.
