Morgan Wainewright, aged 20, of Monmouth was sentenced today, Thursday 22 December, at Newport Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter in November.
Wainewright assaulted Andrew Nicholas aged 43, in Monnow Street, Monmouth on Sunday 26 June.
The family of Andrew Nicholas have issued this statement following sentencing:
“The events of the 26 June that lead to Andrew’s death by the actions of another will be a pain that won’t ever heal. The trauma and destruction it has caused to so many of us, both family and friends, won’t ever be forgotten.
“We are pleased the individual responsible has been brought to justice and sentenced for his crime. His actions have caused damage beyond words and no sentence will ever be long enough.
“It is some comfort that a young person with no respect, maturity, honour and with such a disregard for the life of others has through his own actions destroyed his future and is now going to serve a prison sentence and carry this label for life.
“Andrew, known as Bandy, was a loving, passionate, hardworking, caring, and compassionate person who was loved by his family and friends and adored by his nieces who miss him terribly.
“He was widely respected throughout the golf community, and it has been described by his golf club and Dorset county golf as an irreplaceable loss. His funeral was attended by over 300 people which shows the love and respect that he held.
“As a family we would like to thank the officers from Gwent Police, Family Liaison Officer and the Crown Prosecution Service who have supported us from day one and their compassion, professionalism and dedication to bringing justice for Andrew will always be remembered by us all.
“We would also like to thank the officers from Dorset Police that rushed myself and my mother to Cardiff on the morning of my brother’s assault.
“We would also like to thank the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Cardiff University Hospital that cared for my brother and the NHS organ donation team for helping him help others.
“Andrew’s legacy will live on through golf and we are so grateful for all the support from the management, captains, members and the Professional of Knighton Heath Golf Club for all their support over the last six months and for the creation of competitions that have been agreed with the PGA and Dorset County Golf that will be played in his name.“
Detective Superintendent Nick Wilkie, the senior investigation officer, said:
“This is a clear case of an altercation escalating to a horrific level of violence that resulted in Andrew Nicholas suffering fatal injuries.
“The circumstances of Mr Nicholas’ death should act as a warning to others as to how a senseless act of violence can have devastating consequences. As a result of Wainewright’s actions, Mr Nicholas was injured and never recovered, leaving the lives of his family and friends forever changed.
“Although this was an isolated crime, it is understandable such an act of violence can cause fear and concern in any local community. I would like to thank the residents of Monmouth for their co-operation, support and understanding during this investigation. This was a deeply distressing incident which ended in tragedy.
“Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to the friends and family who have had to come to terms with Andrew’s death and shown great strength throughout this difficult process.
“I know today’s sentencing will never bring Andrew back, however I hope this outcome brings some consolation and closure for them.”
