An Oldham man who killed Robert Payne following an assault in October last year has been jailed for 4 years 8 months.

At around 9.30am on Friday 15 October 2021, officers were called to a disturbance at an address on Frances Street in Oldham. Following enquiries, it was found that Jamie Kennedy, 24, of Garden Terrace, Royton, Oldham, had assaulted 60-year-old Robert Payne (Bob) after a drunken argument had spilled out onto the street.

 

Bob was punched to the face, falling to the floor and hitting his head on the pavement. Once he was on the floor and unconscious, Kennedy leaned over him and punched him at least three more times to his head.

Emergency services attended and he was taken to hospital with critical injuries but despite the best efforts of staff, he sadly died three days later.

Kennedy was jailed today (5th August 2022) at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

 

Senior Investigating Officer Phil Reade from GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said: “This was a devastating case where an argument fuelled through alcohol got out of hand and a man lost his life.

 

“Bob was knocked unconscious after one punch but Kennedy callously continued to assault him, causing him to suffer critical injuries that sadly resulted in his death some three days later.

 

“I hope today’s sentence sends a message that violence is never acceptable and gives Kennedy the time he needs to reflect on how his needless actions lead to someone losing their life.”