Man sentenced to prison for killing his grandfather in case of mistaken identity

Three men have been sentenced to prison in connection with the death of their grandfather, who died due to mistaken identity.

David Thompson, 50, was having a drink in Creswell, Derbyshire, on January 26 when he was punched once by Brandon Brooks.

Brooks and two men were searching for another man with whom they had previously been involved in an altercation, Derbyshire police said.

On Wednesday, the 24-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison for the killing of Mr Thompson, who died of his injuries on February 15.

According to police, Brooks and Ben Hart picked up their friend Michael McCann and drove through Creswell in the early hours of January 27 to find one of the men involved in the altercation.

Mr Thompson, who police said “coincidentally wore very similar clothing” to the man the trio were looking for, was spotted by the group on Elmton Road.

Brooks jumped out of the van driven by Hart and hit Mr. Thompson in the head.

Mr Thompson, from Clowne in Derbyshire, collapsed and died in hospital after being in a coma for 19 days.

The three men were arrested and initially charged with murder, but later pleaded guilty to less serious offences. Brooks, of Fairfield Close, Nether Langwith, admitted manslaughter.

Hart, 21, of Skinner Street, Creswell, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the crime and was sentenced to nine months in prison.

McCann, 38, of no fixed address, admitted a Section 4 disorderly conduct offence and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison at Derby Crown Court.

In a victim impact statement, Thompson's daughter Emma said his death had “destroyed our lives”.

“His loss is felt widely,” she said.

“I still can't accept that one day my father won't come home. Even though I know he's dead, I expect him to come through my door or call me.

“My mind is constantly filled with thoughts of my father's death – how he felt when he was left injured on the side of the road, hurt, in pain and alone.

“When I talk to our friends, many talk about how they feel like they've lost their only true friend – for many, he was the person they turned to.”

Det Insp Maria Pleace added: “This case is a stark reminder of the terrible consequences that a few moments of senseless violence can have.”

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