A Wiltshire man who threw a punch that led to a fatal wound has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Paramedics responded to calls from New Park Street in Devizes on July 2, 2022 after 44-year-old Wayne Sheppard, of Waiblingen Way, suffered a serious head injury.

Police began an investigation after tests showed that the injury was likely to have been caused by an assault.

Their enquiries led to the identification of Darren John Fell who officers then arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

Swindon Advertiser: Wayne SheppardWayne Sheppard (Image: Wiltshire Police)

On Thursday, Fell was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The 39-year-old punched Sheppard in the face after a short verbal exchange on the Devizes street. Wayne, known to his friends as Bert, then fell and hit his head on the concrete floor.

He died in hospital six days after the attack.

Fell, of Hewitt Court, will be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on July 31.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: “This incident was a huge shock to the local close-knit community of Devizes, of which Wayne was a popular member.

"He was a well-liked and well-known man and I know news of his death was extremely upsetting for all who knew him.

“Extensive CCTV enquiries and witness statements were gathered as part of our investigation.

“We discovered that Wayne was struck to the face by Fell after a short verbal exchange between them.

"This punch caused Wayne to fall backwards and hit his head on the concrete floor. Wayne suffered a severe post traumatic brain injury that, sadly, he was unable to recover from.

“During the trial, it was found that Wayne presented no danger to anyone and Fell was not acting in self-defence. He has shown no remorse for his actions.

“This incident demonstrates that one punch can kill and I would urge people to think twice before resorting to violence. One punch can have devastating consequences as has sadly been demonstrated in this case.

“My thoughts are with Wayne’s family and friends at this tragic time.”

In a tribute released at the time of his death, Mr Sheppard’s family described him as a "happy-go-lucky man who had a kind nature".

His parents Sandy and Pete said: “He was really well known and very well-liked in Devizes.

"He was always out and about so everyone knew who he was and he’d help anyone. He was such a kind person.”