Sentence increased for attacker who killed man in pub

Michael Taiwo was initially sentenced to four years and 10 months’ imprisonment in March 2020 at Northampton Crown Court following an altercation with fellow customer Glenn Davies on 24 August 2019.

Taiwo pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Northampton Crown Court in January.

However, following a referral to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General, Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP, the sentence was found to be unduly lenient and was increased to seven years and two months’ imprisonment on 7 July.

Reckless actions

Taiwo and Davies were both part of a group of colleagues drinking in the Old Bank pub in St Giles Square in Northampton town centre before an argument broke out between Davies and another colleague which resulted in Davies punching them. 

After Taiwo intervened, punching Davies in the head and kicking him in the face, both he and his colleague were ejected from the pub by door staff, with Davies remaining inside.

However, after finding another way into to the pub, Taiwo punched Davies in the back of the head. Davies collapsed 21 seconds later and died from a brain injury he sustained. 

Despite being told to wait for the police to arrive, Taiwo fled the scene before police officers arrested him on 28 August 2019 at an address in Northampton.

After the hearing on 7 July, the Attorney General said: “Taiwo’s dangerous and reckless actions cost the victim his life and caused significant grief for his family. 

“I am pleased the Court of Appeal has increased the sentence today and I hope this gives some comfort to the victim’s family.”