Frank Fishwick died from a haemorrhage after being punched in the face by Mohammed Al-Aaraj, 19, outside his flat in The Paddocks, Fulwood in September 2021.
The pensioner suffered a broken nose after being struck with “considerable force”.
Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said on the afternoon of Friday September 10, Al-Aaraj and three friends had gathered in the stairwell of The Paddocks to smoke cannabis.
Mr Fishwick went out to confront them but the teenagers refused to leave the stairwell, taunting the pensioner calling him ‘old man’ and ‘no teeth.’
Mr Fishwick said his injuries were minor and he did not need an ambulance but was later admitted to Royal Preston Hospital. He died from internal bleeding the following day.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was bleeding as a result of fractures to the nose.
Chris Hudson, defending, said Al-Aaraj, of Sheffield Drive, Preston, had a traumatic background having fled Syria as a refugee. He witnessed his sister being shot dead in front of him and saw other people shot and abducted by the Syrian Army.
Dr Michael Appleyard said he suffers PTSD as a result which would make him hyper vigilant. Faced with confrontation with Mr Fishwick he would have felt threatened, the doctor said
Det Ch Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “By choosing to punch this man of 86 years, who offered no physical threat towards him, Al-Aaraj changed the course of his own life as well as that of Mr Fishwick and his family and friends. This is another stark reminder that actions have consequences.
Mr Fishwick’s daughter Judith Taylor-Fishwick and her husband David, live in America. They said hearing the news her father had died over long distance phone call had a devastating impact on their family, who was “taken in an inhuman and cruel act of violence”
Mr Hudson said the case was a tragedy for Mr Fishwick and his family but was also a tragedy for the defendant, who was an ‘intrinsically decent young man’.
Judge Robert Altham, said: “Mr Fishwick’s family speak of their terrible loss by a violent and sudden killing in terrible circumstances.
“Mr Fishwick was a man who had served his country. His family speak of how precious he was. His family make the point that everyone deserves dignity in death and not be subjected to violence like this. Sadly it was not uncommon for residents in the paddock to have to speak to or rebuke young people.”
The judge said he accepted the defendants background would have a considerable effect on him and racist taunts would provoke him.
Unity News Network (UNN) Staff Writer | To find out more details about our staff, please head to the About Us section on our website.
