Paul Brierley: man jailed for one-punch killing of Wigan grandad Paul Ologbose

A man has been jailed for killing a Wigan grandad with a single punch.

Paul Brierley, 44, of Hendon Street, Leigh, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and has been locked up for six years and eight months after admitting the manslaughter of Paul Ologbose, 57.

Manchester Crown Court heard police were called shortly before 2am on Sunday 23 January this year, to a report of an assault in the area outside Higher Fold Sports and Social Club, Kensington Drive, Leigh.

Mr Ologbose, who knew Brierley, had suffered a serious head injury after being punched by Brierley in an unprovoked attack and was taken to hospital but he died the same day.

Family’s grief

In a statement, the victim’s family said: “Although no length of time served will ever be enough to replace what we’ve lost, we just wanted justice for our dad, who was taken far too soon. This tragedy has broken us as a family, and we will always have a huge piece of us missing. Always loved forever missed.

“We would like to thank everyone who has reached out and offered their support during this difficult time.”

GMP’s Senior Investigating Officer, Phil Reade, said: “Once again our condolences first and foremost go to the family and friends of Paul who is sadly no longer with us.

“I hope that this sentencing provides some comfort to Paul’s family. However, this will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives and this incident should serve as a stark reminder at how these mindless, unnecessary acts of violence can have utterly tragic consequences”.