A jockey who had taken cocaine and been drinking heavily before a violent pub confrontation that led to the death of a pensioner has been jailed for three years.
Levi Williams, 26, was sentenced after admitting the manslaughter of 71-year-old Richard Wingrove, who died days after a street fight outside a pub in Newmarket, Suffolk.
The case has shocked the horse racing community in the historic racing town, where the altercation unfolded in broad daylight following a dispute involving multiple men.
Violent Clash Outside Pub Turns Deadly in Newmarket
The fatal incident occurred on March 8, 2025, outside the Waggon & Horses pub in Newmarket after a series of confrontations between two groups of men escalated into violence.
Court hearings heard that Mr Wingrove, who was celebrating his birthday with his son, had been drinking inside the pub before staff removed him for being intoxicated.
The pair allegedly attempted to return several times before being ejected again.
At the same time, Williams and a fellow jockey had been at the venue watching horse racing before preparing to leave for work commitments.
Fight Between Two Groups Escalates Into Fatal Punch
Prosecutors said a confrontation broke out in the street, involving both the Wingrove family and the jockeys.
During the altercation, Williams allegedly threw punches at both Mr Wingrove and his son before briefly falling to the ground himself.
The situation quickly escalated again, with witnesses describing a chaotic street fight.
The court heard that Williams then delivered a decisive punch to Mr Wingrove’s head, causing him to fall backwards and strike the pavement.
Severe Head Injuries Lead to Death Days Later
Emergency responders treated Mr Wingrove at the scene, where he was given CPR before being rushed to hospital with a fractured skull, brain bleeding, and multiple contusions.
He was placed in an induced coma but died ten days later in Cambridge on March 18, 2025.
Medical evidence suggested his fatal injuries were likely caused by a combination of the punch and the impact of his head hitting the ground.
Cocaine and Alcohol Use Confirmed in Investigation
Police confirmed that Williams tested positive for cocaine after his arrest and admitted to drinking several pints of lager before the confrontation.
Officers also reported that he appeared intoxicated and shaken when detained, allegedly stating that the incident “was an accident.”
The court heard that Williams had a history of substance-related disciplinary issues within his professional racing career, including prior suspensions for drug use.
Court Hears Claims of Remorse and Self-Defence Arguments
Williams, who had initially been charged with murder, later pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea accepted by prosecutors.
His defence argued that the incident was not premeditated and described his actions as impulsive during a chaotic confrontation, suggesting he was not the aggressor at the start.
However, the judge concluded that while early exchanges could be interpreted as self-defence, the final blow that killed Mr Wingrove could not be justified.
Judge Cites “Vulnerable Victim” in Sentencing Decision
Sentencing Williams at Peterborough Crown Court, Judge Sean Enright described Mr Wingrove as a “vulnerable victim,” noting his age, poor eyesight, and use of a walking stick.
He told the court that Williams had consumed alcohol and cocaine before the incident and emphasised that a younger man striking an older pensioner in such circumstances resulted in a tragic and avoidable death.
The judge concluded that only a custodial sentence was appropriate, imposing three years in prison after giving credit for Williams’ early guilty plea.
Family’s Emotional Impact Statement Highlights Lifelong Grief
In a victim impact statement, Mr Wingrove’s daughter, Louise, described devastating emotional consequences following her father’s death, including anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances.
She said the loss occurred during a deeply emotional period in the family’s life, as they were reconnecting after years of estrangement.
Louise urged Williams to reflect on the consequences of his actions and expressed hope that he would understand the full impact of the violence.
Racing Career and Prior Drug Bans Revisited in Court
The court also heard details of Williams’ professional career, including 12 race wins in 156 rides, alongside previous suspensions for drug-related offences.
He had earlier been banned for 18 months after testing positive for cocaine and had previously served a six-month suspension for cannabis and cocaine use.
Despite these issues, character references presented in court described him as remorseful, kind, and deeply affected by the outcome of the case.
Police Describe Death as “Completely Avoidable”
Following sentencing, investigators described Mr Wingrove’s death as the result of a “completely avoidable act of violence” that occurred while he was celebrating his birthday.
They said the case had left lasting trauma for multiple families and reinforced the consequences of alcohol-fuelled aggression escalating into fatal outcomes.
Williams will now serve his prison term while the racing world continues to reflect on the tragedy that unfolded outside a pub in Newmarket.
