Rebecca Wade KC, leading Philip Beardwell, successfully prosecuted man for manslaughter and ABH

The accused, Benjamin Wallbanks, first attacked a man outside the Pink nightclub in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, in September 2021, delivering a single blow that rendered him unconscious. Just eight weeks later, Wallbanks repeated the same act on Benjamin Grosvenor who was on a night out in the city with his siblings

The consequences of this second attack were catastrophic. Mr Grosvenor was immediately knocked unconscious and suffered a double brain haemorrhage. He remained in a coma for eleven months and subsequently died as a result of the attack. Expert reports confirmed his death, two years after the assault, was directly attributable to Wallbanks’ actions.

Following the addition of a manslaughter charge to the Indictment, Wallbanks pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Friday, 15th November to an extended term of 9 years’ imprisonment.

Philip Beardwell advised on the charge in 2021 and stayed with the case throughout.

Press Coverage: Stoke Sentinel