Bury: Prestwich man found not guilty of manslaughter

Brook Marshall-Byrne, 20, has been on trial at Manchester Crown Court after attacking 35-year-old Piotr Ludwiczak on Silver Street in the early hours of July 8 last year.

Mr Ludwiczak suffered serious head injuries after hitting the pavement following the blow, and later died in hospital.

Marshall-Byrne’s defence had argued he was acting in self-defence after “trouble had grown” between groups of revellers on Silver Street after bars closed for the evening.

The jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty following three days of deliberation.

However, no verdicts were given for two additional charges including affray and assault of a 17-year-old boy who had also been on Silver Street that evening. 

Police on Silver Street in Bury (Image: Newsquest)

Earlier in the trial, which began on Monday last week, a jury heard that “trouble had grown” between two groups of bargoers following the closure of businesses on Silver Street at around 4.30 that morning.

Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, said Marshall-Byrne had punched a 17-year-old boy “with great force” after the teenager had “provoked” him.

While giving evidence on day three of the trial, Marshall-Bryne, of Prestwich Hills, told the court the teenager had been “looking for a fight” and added that the 17-year-old told him, “I’m going to snap you like a twig".

Paul Treble, defending, argued throughout the trial that Marshall-Byrne had acted in self-defence in regard to all three of the charges, and said that the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was “intent on violence".

After Marshall-Byrne struck the teenager, the court heard that Mr Ludwiczak had grabbed him in a “bear-hug” in apparent attempt to restrain him and protect the teenager.

The court heard that while being held by Mr Ludwiczak, another man at the scene also hit Marshall-Byrne.

Both Marshall-Byrne and Mr Ludwiczak then fell to the floor, after returning to his feet, the 20-year-old then punched the father-of-one, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement which resulted in fatal injuries.

Mr Ludwiczak, who was from Poland, moved to the UK around 10 years ago and lived with his partner in Bury and had a young son.

Following this death, a spokesperson from Piotr's family said: “Piotr, also known as Peter, was loved by his family and friends.

"He had a giant personality and loved making people laugh, he certainly made his partner and young son smile every day.

“Piotr was well-liked by everyone he met, both in the UK and Poland.

"He was a gentleman, always keen to lend a hand to anyone who needed help.”