Man guilty of one punch killing of younger brother during drunken ‘playfight’ at social club

A man has been found guilty of killing his brother with a single punch while “playfighting” in a social club.

Brent Clayton, 62, told police he had “chinned” his younger brother Simon, 58, while out drinking at Waterfoot Social Club in Rossendale, Lancashire, on November 23, 2024.

CCTV of the incident shows Clayton in the function room of the club, shadowboxing and dancing around the room, cajoling his brother to join him.

Once Simon reluctantly stands, the two appear to be attempting to playfight.

But events escalate after Simon “catches” Clayton, with Clayton then moving forward and throwing two hard punches to Simon’s face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the floor.

Clayton then raises his arms up in victory.

A Home Office post-mortem examination determined that Simon had died from a hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury due to cardiac arrest and blunt force trauma to the head, with acute alcohol intoxication being a contributing factor.

Clayton, of Taylor Avenue, Rossendale, denied manslaughter but was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court. He will be sentenced on 14 October.

Detective Inspector Tris Hardwick, of Lancashire Police, said: “This is a devastatingly sad case that shows it only takes one punch to take a life, and to ruin your own.

“Simon’s family have had to come to terms not only with the fact that he has died, but that he was killed by his older brother – someone who he was meant to be able to trust implicitly.

“My and my team’s thoughts are with Simon’s loved ones today, and as they continue to grieve him.

“Clayton didn’t go out that night with the intention of taking a life, but he became intoxicated, he thought it was a good idea to mock a fight with his brother.

“There was nothing pretend about the punch that killed Simon.

“The message is clear – one punch can kill. Violence is not and never will be acceptable in our county, no matter what you think your intentions may be.”