'He's sparko', said one-punch killer after attack

A one-punch killer who said his victim was "sparko" after unleashing a violent attack outside a row of shops has been jailed for manslaughter.

Andrew Allen, 55, assaulted Scott Lisney, 56, at St Olaves Road shopping precinct in Bury St Edmunds on 26 July 2025.

Lisney was taken to the town's West Suffolk Hospital and placed in an induced coma after suffering a bleed on the brain, but he died two days later.

Following a six-day trial at Peterborough Crown Court, a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict and Allen, of Severn Road in Bury, was sentenced to four years in prison.

Det Supt Matt Adams, senior investigating officer, said Lisney had lost his life through a "single act of violence" and "no sentence" would ever undo that.

"This case is a stark reminder of the consequences that can follow a single act of violence," he said.

"A moment's loss of control can change lives forever, affecting not only those directly involved but the families left behind.

"The message remains a simple one: if you find yourself in a confrontation, walk away. One punch can have irreversible consequences."

Suffolk Police said the pair were known to each other as the victim was the ex-partner of Allen's current partner.

Throughout the confrontation, which happened between 19:55 and 20:05 BST, the force said Lisney appeared calm with his fingers interlaced or arms folded and showed no signs of aggression.

After walking away, he was followed by Allen who grabbed his arm and then punched him, causing Lisney to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground.

Police said the defendant declared "he's sparko" and made his way home, where he was arrested in the early hours of the following morning.

When he arrived at Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre, police said Allen made further admissions saying: "It's quite simple - I knocked him out."

The force said that during the trial, Allen, who denied manslaughter, accepted he had struck Lisney, but claimed he had been acting in self-defence. However, the jury convicted him on Wednesday.

"Scott's family have shown considerable strength and dignity throughout the investigation and court proceedings," added Det Supt Adams.

"I hope they are able to grieve away from the criminal justice process and continue remembering Scott for the person he was."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.