Who was Liam Derrett and what happened to him?

Liam Derrett was a 19-year-old who died after trying to break up a pub brawl in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on June 1, 2025. He was struck from behind with a fatal blow.

What were the sentences for those involved in Liam Derrett's death?

Joshua Harris was jailed for six years for manslaughter, and Kai Donachie was jailed for four months for affray in connection with Liam Derrett's death.

Where and when did the incident that killed Liam Derrett occur?

The incident where Liam Derrett was fatally punched occurred in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on June 1, 2025, outside a pub on Market Place.

Home / Crime and Justice / Peacemaker's Tragic End: Fatal Blow in Pub Brawl

Peacemaker's Tragic End: Fatal Blow in Pub Brawl

3 Feb

•

Summary

19-year-old Liam Derrett died after trying to break up a fight.
He was fatally struck from behind with a 'hammer-like blow'.
Joshua Harris jailed six years for manslaughter; Kai Donachie jailed four months.

Peacemaker's Tragic End: Fatal Blow in Pub Brawl

A peacemaker, 19-year-old Liam Derrett, tragically lost his life after attempting to intervene in a mass brawl outside a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. The incident occurred on June 1, 2025, when Liam was struck from behind with a powerful, "hammer-like blow" as he tried to separate two fighting groups. He passed away in hospital two days later, having suffered a fatal skull fracture and brain injury.

Derby Crown Court heard that Joshua Harris, 24, delivered the fatal punch. Harris has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a six-year prison sentence. Co-defendant Kai Donachie, 23, who punched Liam twice before the fatal blow, pleaded guilty to affray and was jailed for four months. He has already served six months on remand.