Harrowing footage of ‘one punch’ sufferer’s last moments that his household need you to see
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: The family of Luke Thompson have released a video showing the final moments before the 25-year-old was fatally injured in a one punch attack in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, after attacker Dylan Maxwell was jailed for manslaughter
A devastated family have shared a distressing video depicting the final moments before a young father sustained fatal injuries in an assault.
The footage has been made public with the approval of Luke Thompson’s relatives, who hope it acts as a stark reminder of how rapidly violence can become deadly. Their appeal follows the imprisonment of Dylan Maxwell for the murder of the 25-year-old Thompson during a confrontation in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
The video captures Luke being knocked to the ground twice during the incident in November 2023. He sustained severe head injuries and passed away in hospital 10 days later, according to Yorkshire Live.
Luke’s family state they consented to the footage being made public to underscore the devastating impact of a single violent act.
His sister, Denise Louise Thompson, said: We have given permission to show people out there that one punch can kill hoping it don’t happen to anyone else’s family.
“Yeah its not nice to watch but it’s putting it out there, you don’t have to have a brawl for 5/10 mins, it could take a matter of seconds to kill someone.”
Her heartfelt message follows Maxwell, 28, receiving a sentence of 13 years and 10 months after his conviction for manslaughter and separate drug offences.
Luke’s death left a family in pieces. Luke was a father of two and was expecting a third child at the time of the attack.
His son was born on Christmas Day, just weeks after he passed away.
In a victim impact statement previously read to the court, Luke’s mum Michelle spoke of the enduring impact of losing her youngest child.
She said: “We live with the pain of losing him every day. It is a scar in our lives that will never leave. The impact of losing him is something that has affected the whole family differently.”
She added: “Some are suffering from mental health. This is something that has been going on since losing Luke and I think it will continue long into the future.”
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police said: “My thoughts remain with Luke Thompson’s friends and loved ones. I hope today’s sentence provides some small comfort to them as they move forward with their lives following their devastating loss.
“This is a tragic case that shows just how quickly a night out can turn into tragedy. Too often we see situations escalate through alcohol, frustration or split second decisions, with devastating consequences for everyone involved.
“At a busy time of year for nightlife, I would urge people to take a moment, walk away from confrontation and think about the lasting impact of their actions. No argument is worth a life.”
The family are hopeful that the release of this distressing footage will keep Luke’s death in people’s minds and help to prevent another family from experiencing the same devastating loss.
