A CARMARTHENSHIRE builder has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after killing his former workmate during an alcohol-fuelled punching game, Swansea Crown Court has heard.
Jason Thomas, 40, from Llanelli, admitted manslaughter after punching 22-year-old Liam Morgan-Whittle twice in the head, causing him to collapse and suffer a fatal brain bleed in March 2023.
The court heard that the pair, who had previously worked together in construction, had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine at a friend’s house in Llanelli. What started as banter escalated into a contest over who could take a harder punch.
Prosecutor William Hughes KC said the two men were “joking and laughing” before the conversation became more aggressive. Michael Davies, who was also at the flat, told police he had tried to stop the game, but Thomas insisted: “I’ll hit you first,” to which Morgan-Whittle responded: “Go on then.”
Liam Morgan-Whittle died after being taken to hospital (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
Liam Morgan-Whittle died after being taken to hospital (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
Davies described both punches as forceful rather than playful and recalled telling Thomas: “What have you done? There was no need for it.” Thomas allegedly replied: “He asked for it, I told him not to mess.”
John Hipkin KC, defending, said Thomas had no intention of seriously harming Morgan-Whittle, let alone causing his death. “Jason Thomas has struggled to cope with what he has done. His remorse is genuine,” he said.
Judge Paul Thomas KC told the defendant: “This tragic event was fuelled by your excessive alcohol and cocaine use, which caused you to lose all common sense. You were warned by someone present not to do it, yet you carried on.”
The judge noted that both punches were delivered with significant force, knocking Morgan-Whittle unconscious and leading to cardiac arrest, from which he never recovered.
Jonathan Pritchard, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Regardless of what was said that night, Jason Thomas decided to use his fists and bears full responsibility for his actions. Our thoughts remain with Liam’s family and friends.”
Liam’s mother, Claire Whittle, described her son as “loving, caring, and funny” and said she would “never come to terms with the devastating loss.”
She added: “No words can explain the pain, devastation, and anger we have endured since Liam was taken. Nobody should have to go through this unending tragedy.”
