Reading Man Accused of Manslaughter After Punching Victim Outside Station
A man faces manslaughter charges after a fatal punch outside Reading Station last July, leading to severe injuries and death.
Reading, John Donovan, Ryan Basden, Manslaughter, Stag Do, UK
Reading: A man is accused of manslaughter after a tragic incident. Ryan Basden, 27, allegedly punched John Donovan outside Reading Railway Station. This happened around 8:30 PM on July 20 last year.
Sadly, Mr. Donovan died from severe brain injuries on August 11. Prosecutor Kate Lumsdon explained that Basden punched Donovan so hard he lost consciousness and fell, hitting his head on the pavement.
Doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital tried to save him, but he never woke up. His family decided to turn off his life support after consulting with doctors.
On that day, Donovan was celebrating a stag do with friends. They had been drinking at The Three Guineas Pub before heading to dinner. On their way, a beggar approached them for money.
Donovan and his friend, Paul Gardener, ignored the beggar. This led to a confrontation, and Basden was called over by a woman named Kacey Stannett.
During the altercation, Gardener tried to pull Donovan away. Basden then jumped onto a bench and punched Gardener while he was on the ground.
Afterward, Donovan thought Stannett had taken Gardener’s phone. He chased her, but it turned out the phone was hers. A confrontation ensued between Donovan and Stannett.
Basden intervened, and after some pushing, he punched Donovan. The prosecutor asked the jury to consider if Basden’s force was necessary.
She noted that Basden and his friends had provoked the situation. Although Donovan reacted poorly, Basden had chances to leave the scene.
At 11 PM that night, Donovan’s blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. The prosecutor argued that Basden’s heavy punch was unnecessary.
Basden’s defense claimed he acted in self-defense. He admitted to punching Donovan but maintained it was to protect himself. The trial is ongoing.