A tragic confrontation outside a Birmingham city centre cocktail bar has resulted in a doorman being found guilty of manslaughter.
Richard Deakin, aged 38, was convicted after delivering a single, heavy punch to fellow bouncer Joshua Johnson-Hector, 31, outside Savanna on Bristol Street in the early hours of December 28 last year. The victim fell backwards, hitting his head on the pavement, and died in hospital the following day due to brain injuries sustained from the fall.
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Deakin, from Moorfield Drive, Halesowen, claimed self-defence. He explained that tension had been building between him and Mr Johnson-Hector for months, stemming from a previous incident at the Wireless Festival where Deakin, running the security team, had initially hired but later turned away Johnson-Hector for attempting to sneak someone in. This history had led to “whispers” and ongoing animosity.
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On the night of the incident, Mr Johnson-Hector arrived at Savanna at 4:08 am in a blue Mercedes. Deakin said he felt scared upon seeing him there after hours, especially given their past disagreements. According to Deakin, Mr Johnson-Hector greeted him with “wagwan Tommy,” but did not throw a punch. Fearing a physical altercation, Deakin stated he delivered a “pre-emptive” strike to create space and reach his car.
“I wasn’t looking to cause serious harm,” Deakin told police. “It was a knee-jerk, panicked reaction — a quick shot to back him up, not a calculated attack.” Despite his claims, the jury convicted Deakin of manslaughter on July 15. Sentencing has been postponed until October.
This case highlights the fatal consequences that can arise from unresolved personal tensions and split-second decisions in high-pressure situations.