An amateur boxer who punched a man on a night out in Bury town centre has been found not guilty of his manslaughter. Brook Marshall-Byrne, 20, has been on trial at Manchester Crown Court after attacking 35-year-old Piotr Ludwiczak on Silver Street in the early hours of July 8 last year. Mr Ludwiczak suffered serious head injuries after hitting the pavement following the blow, and later died in hospital.
Marshall-Byrne’s defence had argued he was acting in self-defence after “trouble had grown” between groups of revellers on Silver Street after bars closed for the evening. The jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty following three days of deliberation. However, no verdicts were given for two additional charges including affray and assault of a 17-year-old boy who had also been on Silver Street that evening.
Police on Silver Street in Bury (Image: Newsquest) Earlier in the trial, which began on Monday last week, a jury heard that “trouble had grown” between two groups of bargoers following the closure of businesses on Silver Street at around 4.30 that morning. Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, said Marshall-Byrne had punched a 17-year-old boy “with great force” after the teenager had “provoked” him.
While giving evidence on day three of the trial, Marshall-Bryne, of Prestwich Hills, told the court the teenager had been “looking for a fight” and added that the 17-year-old told him, “I’m going to snap you like a twig". Paul Treble, defending, argue.
