Boxer who killed man in unprovoked attack jailed

Mali Wright, 30, originally from Leeds, launched the completely unprovoked attack

A professional boxer who killed a father by punching him so hard he broke his ribs and ruptured his spleen has been jailed for his manslaughter.

Mali Wright, 30, originally from Leeds, inflicted the completely unprovoked attack on Daniel Allsop, 38, on Bethesda Road in Blackpool on 2 October 2023.

Mr Allsop collapsed in the doorway of a nearby McDonalds restaurant and was taken to hospital but died two days later.

Wright was jailed for 14-and-a-half years after being convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court.

Mr Allsop had walked to Bethesda Road with the intention of buying drugs, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

However, when he arrived Wright attacked him before chasing him away.

Daniel Allsop died two days after the attack

A short time later Mr Allsop collapsed in the doorway of a McDonalds and was taken to hospital, where he died two days later.

Wright was arrested four days later.

Police searched his car and home and found a large quantity of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £2,500 and over £6,800 in cash.

They also found two phones containing evidence of the sale of heroin and crack cocaine.

As he walked through the police station, Wright discarded 24 wraps of crack cocaine on the floor.

Mr Wright was also convicted of five Class A drug offences and possessing illicit cash.

Laura Walmsley, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Outside the confines and controls of the boxing ring Mali Wright used his fists as weapons to inflict what proved to be fatal injuries.

"Daniel Allsop had no opportunity to defend himself against such unprovoked and powerful blows.

"Our thoughts remain with all Mr Allsop’s loved ones, who have been left devastated by his death.

"We hope that following Wright’s conviction and sentence they can begin to move forward with their lives."

'Shocking brutality'

Det Ch Insp Jill Riley said: "Mali Wright’s actions have left a child without their dad, parents without their son and siblings without a brother.

"Mali Wright was a former boxer. He punched Daniel with a shocking level of violence and brutality.

"I am pleased with the sentence handed down on him today and just hope that this brings some degree of comfort and closure for Daniel’s family."

Mr Allsop’s family said he was a "very cheeky chap" who always had everyone laughing and had "an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone".

They said he was "loved by all who met him" and they would "always love and remember him".

They added they were devastated by Wright's actions but were "now grateful that justice has been served for Daniel and he can now rest in peace".