A man has been jailed for killing his brother at a motocross event in Wiltshire – an attack witnessed by both of the men’s children.
Ben Starr fought with Lee Starr amid an augment before they were pulled apart by onlookers. But Ben threw a further punch, which caused his sibling a significant injury.
As 38-year-old Lee walked away, he collapsed to the ground and went into cardiac arrest. Despite the best efforts of medics, he could not be revived and died at the scene.
The fatal incident was witnessed by many people at the Foxhill motocross event on 22 August last year – including both of the men’s children.
35-year-old Ben, of Woodside Avenue, Ripley, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. At Swindon Crown Court today (Thursday), he was jailed for two years.
In a statement read to the court, Lee’s wife said, “(Lee) was cruelly and senselessly taken from me and our children.
“I never imagined I would be forced to put into words the unbearable grief that now defines our lives.
“We had a future full of hope, love and dreams together. But that future was stolen from us in horrific moment, and now every single day is a fight just to keep going without him.
“Lee was only 38, so young with a lifetime of milestones ahead – birthdays, school days, weddings, walking both our daughters down the aisle, family celebrations, teaching the children to drive and watching the grandchildren grow up.
“All of those moments, the memories we longed to create as a family were ripped away from us in an instant. The future we dreamed of was erased.”
DCI Phil Walker, head of the Major Crime Investigation Team in Wiltshire said, “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Lee, who has lost his life in such tragic circumstances.
“A life has been cut short following what should have been an enjoyable weekend at a family event. A single punch has ruined the lives of a family.
“This was a sensitive case which not only saw family members witness the death of a loved one but also required them to give evidence. I would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation.
“This is another example of a tragic case where one punch has taken someone’s life.
“We would urge people to protect themselves and their friends and family when celebrating or drinking. Know the signs when things start to take a turn for the worse, spot the danger and encourage your friends to walk away.”
