Retrial ordered in football fan manslaughter case
Tony Johnson's partner said she was "devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soulmate"
- Published
Jurors have been unable to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of killing a football fan in a post-match brawl.
Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a head injury outside The Manchester pub on Blackpool Promenade in March 2023, following a game between Blackpool and Burnley.
Jake Balmforth, 35, of Tarvin Close, Burnley, denies manslaughter.
After the jury at Preston Crown Court could not agree a verdict, Judge Robert Altham ordered a retrial which is due to begin on 28 April.
In a tribute shortly after the grandfather's death, Mr Johnson's partner said she was "devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate".
She added: "We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same."
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