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Man gets three years for manslaughter of Jermain Defoe's half brother
A man has today been sentenced to three years after being found guilty of manslaughter following the death of Jade Gavin Defoe, the half-brother of Tottenham Hotspur footballer Jermaine Defoe.
The 26 year old died on 24 April 2009 following an incident in Newham on 20 April 2009.
34 year old Christopher Farley was found guilty of one count of manslaughter by the jury at Central Criminal Court on 4 February 2010 following a trial which began on 25 January 2010.
CPS London lawyer Marc Robinson said:
"Christopher Farley admitted in police interview that he got into an argument with the victim, lost his temper and punched the victim once to the face.
"He accepted that he was not acting in self defence at the time but stated that he did not intend to either kill or to cause grievous bodily harm.
"Following careful consideration and a thorough review of all the evidence the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision that the defendant should be indicted with manslaughter.
"Mr Farley's defence was that Mr Defoe was killed by the actions of the hospital treating him. The Crown Prosecution Service was of the opinion that Mr Farley's actions contributed significantly to the death, and so he was criminally liable. The jury today have agreed with that view.
"Our thoughts are with the victim's family and I hope the verdict and sentencing passed brings them some comfort at this very difficult time."
The incident happened outside a property in Newham at around 4.15pm on 20 April 2009. The defendant and the victim became involved in an argument which resulted in Farley punching the victim once.
The victim fell to the floor hitting his head on the pavement. A post mortem showed he had injuries consistent with a single punch and with hitting his head on the ground. The cause of death was given as a head injury.
On 27 April 2009 Christopher Farley handed himself into a police station and was arrested. He pleaded not guilty at Central Criminal Court on 16 October 2009.
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