A man who was today (October 1) found guilty of killing his brother with a punch at a social club has been pictured for the first time.
Brent Clayton, 62, of Taylor Avenue, Waterfoot, was found guilty of a single count of manslaughter following a four-day trial at Preston Crown Court.
Following the guilty verdict, which was reached by a 10-2 majority after more than seven hours of deliberations, police have released Clayton's custody image.
Clayton's brother, Simon Clayton, 58, was struck with a punch in the function room of Waterfoot Social Club on November 23, 2024. He died the following day at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Clayton was first arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm, telling the police he had "chinned" and "uppercut" his brother.
FULL STORY: Waterfoot man found guilty of killing brother at social club
The incident was captured on CCTV which shows Clayton in the function room of the club, shadowboxing and dancing around the room, cajoling his brother to join him.
Once Simon reluctantly stands the two appeared to be attempting to play-fight. But events escalated after Simon “catches” Clayton and Clayton moves forward and throws two hard punches to Simon’s face causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the floor. Clayton then raises his arms up in victory.
Witnesses later said how when they got into the room to see Simon on the floor Clayton told them that Simon had hit him first, before telling the witness not to call an ambulance because “he will get up in a minute”. When Simon still wasn’t responding, the witness called 999 for help.
Previous reporting in this case:
Day 1 live updates - Simon Clayton trial - live updates from day one of trial
Day 1 summary - Waterfoot man 'killed brother with fatal punch' trial hears
Day 2 live updates - LIVE court updates as judge begins summing up in 'manslaughter' trial
Day 2 summary - Simon Clayton trial - accused was 'defending himself'
Day 3 live updates - Simon Clayton trial - judge continues summing-up to jury
Day 3 summary - Simon Clayton trial - jury sent out to consider verdicts
A Home Office post-mortem examination determined that Simon had died from a hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury due to cardiac arrest and blunt force trauma to the head, with acute alcohol intoxication being a contributing factor.
Clayton will appear back in the dock at the same court to be sentenced on October 14.
Detective Inspector Tris Hardwick of Lancashire Police's force major investigation team said: “This is a devastatingly sad case that shows it only takes one punch to take a life, and to ruin your own.
“Simon’s family have had to come to terms not only with the fact that he has died, but that he was killed by his older brother – someone who he was meant to be able to trust implicitly. My team’s and my thoughts are with Simon’s loved ones today, and as they continue to grieve him.
“Clayton didn’t go out that night with the intention of taking a life, but he became intoxicated; he thought it was a good idea to mock a fight with his brother. There was nothing pretend about the punch that killed Simon.
“The message is clear – one punch can kill. Violence is not and never will be acceptable in our county, no matter what you think your intentions may be.”
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