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Beckenham Manslaughter Sentence Prompts Call for Attorney General Review

Andrew Clark's family decries a five-year term that allows release after two-thirds of the sentence.

Overview

  • Andrew Clark, 43, died in hospital three days after being slapped outside a Sainsbury's in Beckenham and striking his head.
  • Demiesh Williams, 30, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a sentence of five years and three months at Woolwich Crown Court.
  • Under current rules for this offence, Williams must serve at least two-thirds of the term before being eligible for release on licence.
  • Clark's widow, Cairistine, condemned the punishment as 'an absolute joke' and said the family will meet the Crown Prosecution Service to raise concerns.
  • Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the sentence 'paltry' and said he is writing to the Attorney General to seek reconsideration.