Reece Kay sentenced for manslaughter of Wesley Clutterbuck

Reece Kay

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Reece Kay (born 28/2/93) of Waithlands Road, Rochdale was sentenced to four years in prison today (Monday 29 July) for the manslaughter of Royal Marine Wesley Clutterbuck.

Appearing at Manchester Crown Court, Reece pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

On Friday 28 June 2013 Wesley attended his friend’s funeral and wake which was held just outside Rochdale.

Later that evening he went into Rochdale town centre for a night out.

At about 3am Reece Kay who was also on a night out with friends in Rochdale came across Wesley near to Yates bar.

Wesley had intervened between a man and woman arguing. Kay saw this and began to argue with Wesley.

Wesley then walked away from Kay across the road. Kay struggled with his friends who were trying to hold him back, but he managed to break free then ran across to Wesley and punched him once in the face.

Wesley fell to the ground banging his head on the pavement and was knocked unconscious.

Kay then ran from the scene.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe from the Major Incident Team, said: “This was a mindless unprovoked attack which ended in tragedy. It only takes one punch to kill someone and cause so much anguish.

“Wesley’s parents, family and friends were all extremely proud of his achievements; to lose a loved one in this way is totally devastating.

“Whatever sentence is imposed it will not compensate for their loss.”

The family of Wesley Clutterbuck said today: "I'd just like to say Wes was our life and with his life being taken away from us we will never be truly happy again.

If you are prepared to go out and take someone else's life then you should be prepared to accept the sentence of life yourself.

We will live with this pain forever and so should he. This man will be out in four years, what kind of message does this give to other young people who are out this weekend.

I pray to god it isn't one of your children who is killed next weekend because the message that is being sent out is that it is okay to go around hitting people with such a minimal punishment.

I would like to thank family and friends, the community of Whitworth, the Police and the Royal Marines for their unwavering support during this difficult time.”

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/81284/reece-kay-pleads-guilty-to-killing-wesley-clutterbuck