Scott Akester, a 31-year-old man from Hull, was killed after getting hit with a single punch by his friend Michael Pearson, 30, in November last year. The funeral of Scott Akester recently took place while Pearson has been charged with the manslaughter of his ‘friend’.
Pearson assaulted Akester after a night out with their other friends. Unfortunately, his punch landed on the wrong spot and Akester fell unconscious. He was rushed to the nearby medical facility but passed away later on the same day.
Michael Pearson One Punch KO’d Scott Akester Last Year
A brawl broke out between two friends at the Grandale Pub, Sutton Park, Hull, on Friday, November 18, 2022. Michael Pearson, 30, hit a punch in the face of Scott Akester, 31, in the fight. An argument also broke between the two people before this.
Due to the impact of the punch, Akester fell backward and hit his head on the floor. Witnesses in the area heard a “loud crack” as per the reports. A couple who was nearby saw the attack and rushed to help Scott Akester. Unfortunately, he died later at the hospital.
When Pearson was remanded into custody, he claimed that he acted in self-defense and denied manslaughter. However, he was convicted after a trial at Hull Crown Court.
Michael Pearson Charged with Manslaughter of Scott Akester
Michael Pearson, of Saltshouse Road, east Hull, was initially accused of murder. However, his charge was dropped later and replaced with manslaughter. Pearson initially claimed that he attacked Akester in self-defense. He accepted that he didn’t intend to kill his friend.
On Thursday, May 18, 2023, Pearson was convicted by a jury at Hull Crown Court. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on June 29, 2023.
“Scott’s death was utterly needless … a result of Pearson’s mindless actions with no regard for the consequences. A single punch has caused a devastating impact, resulting in a man losing his life and a family left without their loved one,” said Det Ch Insp Al Curtis.
He added: “I would like to thank Scott’s family for their patience and courage during the judicial process. Nothing can bring Scott back, but I hope they feel a sense of justice has been achieved after today’s outcome. Crimes like this will not be tolerated and we will always take action in a bid to deter violent crime in our communities.”
Scott Akester’s Funeral Took Place Last Week; Obituary Released
The funeral of Scott Akester was held last week. More than 200 people attended the ceremony. His mother Debra Akester described how she saw her son in a cubicle in the intensive care unit before he passed away. She was there with her husband and Scott’s girlfriend.
It was revealed that the hospital staff told them that tests revealed that there was no reaction in Scott Akester’s brain. Due to this, he was taken off life support, and a fatal brain injury was ruled out as his cause of death.
Were Michael Pearson and Scott Akester Friends?
Yes, Michael Pearson and Scott Akester had remained friends before this tragedy took place. The two men shared a common interest in football and often hung out together. According to Humberside Police, they were drinking out with their other friends on the day of the incident.
However, the argument was resolved by friends. Twenty minutes later when the group were going back home, Pearson approached Akester and punched him in the face. Due to the impact, he fell down and hit his head on the road.
A single punch ruined the lives of two families. One family lost a son while another’s son will spend time in prison. Please send condolences to the Akester family and Scott’s other loved ones. May God let him rest easy.
