Teen sentenced for killing man in hotel

Joe Williams was under the influence of drink and drugs when he attacked Daniel Hrycyszyn, a judge said

A teenager has been handed a four-year custodial sentence for killing a man in emergency accommodation.

Daniel Hrycyszyn, 35, died from internal bleeding at Hotel Central in Weymouth, Dorset, on the night of 30 December 2023.

Hotel resident Joe Williams, 19, was initially charged with murder but his manslaughter plea was previously accepted by prosecutors at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Judge Bill Mousley KC said the defendant's "persistent violence" during the altercation was fuelled by drink and drugs.

The court heard Mr Hrycyszyn had returned to the hotel, used for emergency housing, to collect belongings.

He claimed that some were missing, argued with residents and smashed a window.

While a hotel security guard was on the phone to the police, Williams punched the victim and put him in a prolonged wrestling hold, the judge said.

Minutes later, Mr Hrycyszyn collapsed from a ruptured artery in his abdomen. He was pronounced dead at the scene an hour later, despite the efforts of emergency workers.

Police were called to Hotel Central in December 2023

In a statement read by a barrister, the victim's father, Paul Hrycyszyn, from Hampshire, told the court how he adopted Daniel and his natural sister Leila as toddlers.

He said Daniel was a "delightful" and "gifted" boy, who started to go "off the rails a little" from about the time when he left home at the age of 18.

In her statement, Leila said the loss of her "kind and caring" brother was a source of "hurt, pain and constant hell".

Judge Mousley said Daniel was "much-loved" and his cremation had been attended by more than 150 mourners.

He said the victim had been drinking and taking cocaine in the 24 hours before arriving at the hotel.

The judge said there were sounds of shouting and crashing during the fatal incident, in which Daniel could be heard pleading and Williams had replied: "I don't care".

He said the defendant's motivation for the attack was not clear, but went "beyond simple bravado".

The judge said Williams was sometimes angry, violent and used drugs, adding: "It would appear he received little love, care or support in his childhood."

He imposed a four-year sentence at a young offender institution and a further four years' supervision upon release.