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Five-Year Term in Sainsbury's Queue-Row Killing Prompts Calls for Review

Opposition leaders said they will ask the Attorney General to reconsider the term.

Overview

  • Demiesh Williams, 30, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to five years and three months for the manslaughter of Andrew Clark, 43.
  • Court guidance stated Williams will serve up to two-thirds of the term in custody before release on licence, subject to recall if breached.
  • CCTV evidence showed Williams left the Beckenham store after a queue dispute, returned wearing a face covering, and struck Clark with an open-handed blow.
  • Clark fell, suffered a catastrophic brain injury, and died three days later; Williams was arrested in Croydon and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
  • The victim’s family decried systemic failings in the justice system, while Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the sentence “paltry” and said he would seek reconsideration.