One-punch killer’s mother jailed for hiding phone

Joanne Pearson concealed evidence after her son killed a man

A mother has been jailed for hiding her son's phone from detectives after he killed a man with a single punch.

Joanne Pearson, 61, of Saltshouse Road, Hull, was sentenced to six months at Hull Crown Court on Friday, after pleading guilty to committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Michael Pearson, 30, was jailed in June last year for the manslaughter of Scott Akester.

Det Supt Al Curtis said her actions caused the victim's family “further undue stress and upset”.

He added: “Joanne concealed crucial evidence in an attempt to protect her son, with no consideration for Scott’s family."

At Michael Pearson’s trial, the court heard how Mr Akester, 31, and Mr Pearson, who had been friends for 17 years, had a disagreement following a night out in November 2022.

Mr Pearson punched Mr Akester in the face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the floor. He died in hospital.

While investigating the death, detectives from Humberside Police found Mr Pearson's damaged phone in his mother's coat pocket.

Mr Pearson, also of Saltshouse Road, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison.

Mr Akester’s parents, Steve and Debbie Akester, have been supported by the charity One Punch UK since their son’s death and are campaigning to open a support centre in Hull.

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