Carl Fullard killing: John Blanchard jailed for one-punch manslaughter

A "jealous" man who killed another man with a single punch in Hull city centre has been jailed.

Carl Fullard, 44, died from his injuries after being attacked near G.W. Horners pub in Anlaby Road, on 9 September 2023.

After admitting manslaughter at Hull Crown Court, John Blanchard, 40, was sentenced to six years and eight months' imprisonment on Friday.

Mr Fullard had a "heart of gold", his family said.

After sentencing, Det Ch Insp Jayne Goodens, who led the investigation, said an "unsuspecting" Mr Fullard was followed by Blanchard who, "in a jealous-fuelled rage", punched him in the head, causing him to collapse and go into cardiac arrest.

Mr Fullard suffered what police described as "a catastrophic bleed to the brain".

Ms Goodens thanked members of the public who performed CPR on Mr Fullard until the arrival of the emergency services. Mr Fullard died later in hospital.

According to Ms Goodens, Blanchard, of St Paul's Street, Hull, had been unable to bear the thought that his former partner had moved on.

He had chosen to take out his resentment on an innocent man, "ending his life with a single punch", she said.

The senior officer praised Mr Fullard's family for their patience and bravery during the police investigation.

She added: "Whilst the result cannot take away the pain and suffering caused, I hope that it provides them with some peace, and even just a small sense of justice that John Blanchard has taken responsibility by pleading guilty, and will spend time in prison."

Ms Goodens said in the past two years six men in the force area had fallen victim to one-punch killings.

She added: "We encourage people to stop, think, and just walk away. No argument or disagreement is worth a life without a loved one. One moment of madness. One spontaneous act of rage. Multiple lives destroyed."

Paying tribute to her son, Mr Fullard's mother Julie said: "You will always be missed and [it is] a tragedy that you went this way, rest in peace my son."

Mr Fullard's sister Lesley added: "You were a loving and caring brother and had a heart of gold, we will miss you so much."

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