Homeless man jailed over one-punch killing

Kevin Wild was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday

A homeless man who fatally punched a man who was missing part of his skull has been jailed for more than six years.

Kevin Wild assaulted father-of-three Jermaine Mazlum in Alfred Street North, in the St Ann's area of Nottingham, on 17 June.

A court heard the victim had part of his skull removed following a "severe head injury" in 2020, and Wild knew this.

The 53-year-old fatally assaulted Mr Mazlum for reasons "he simply cannot explain", Nottinghamshire Police added.

Jermaine Mazlum, 43, suffered a "catastrophic head injury", say police

The force said the assault happened outside Framework's Mechanics House, which provides accommodation and support for homeless people, where both men were staying.

Wild, who was under the influence of alcohol, approached Mr Mazlum and punched him, causing him to fall and hit his head on the road.

The 43-year-old was taken to hospital where he died on 5 July.

Mr Mazlum had suffered a "catastrophic head injury", police said.

'Absolutely unprovoked'

After his arrest, Wild told officers he was "truly sorry" and "had no intention to cause him serious injury".

Passing sentence at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, Judge Nirmal Shant KC said: "From what can be seen on the CCTV, for some reason best known to yourself - and perhaps not even that - you crossed the road, there was a bit of a tussle, no more than that, and then absolutely unprovoked you struck him on the side of the face with such force he fell to the pavement, striking his head.

"He did not stand a chance of living."

A cordon was in place as emergency services attended the scene in June

A statement released by Mr Mazlum's family said his death had "left massive holes in all our hearts" and they would remember him as someone "who had the kindest of hearts".

"He was an amazing brother, a loving son and an amazing father it his three children," it added.

"It is devastating they face growing up without a dad.

"Jermaine was someone who would always pick you up with his laughter and light up any room."

Det Insp Clare Gibson said: "This tragic incident shows how throwing even a single punch can have devastating consequences.

"Kevin Wild's actions that evening took away Jermaine's future in an instant as well as destroying so many other lives forever."