Live updates as man is sentenced for killing pubgoer in brutal attack
A man is being sentenced at Newport Crown Court for causing the death of another man who he kicked and punched while he lay defenceless on the floor. Steven Chappell, 29, was acquitted of murdering Daniel Bradley following a trial last month, but found guilty of manslaughter.
In the early hours of September 9, 2023 Mr Bradley was walking down a lane near the New Brogden pub in New Road, Porthcawl, when he was assaulted twice by Chappell. Mr Bradley had been drinking in the pub that evening and was described as "his normal self", joking and dancing around. Witnesses said that while in the lane by the pub, Chappell had accused Mr Bradley of owing him money.
During the attack, thuds and whimpering could be heard by residents who lived nearby. Chappell could be heard saying "You’re lucky I am on f****** crutches because I’d f****** kill you." In CCTV played to the court, the defendant could be seen delivering kicks and punches to Mr Bradley as he lay defenceless on the floor. After Chappell had left the scene, Mr Bradley remained on the floor for 13 minutes before he and girlfriend Cherelle McKay were able to get up and walk off.
Following the assault, the court heard Mr Bradley was taken to hospital on September 11 and discharged before an ambulance was called to his house on September 15. On that day, Mr Bradley's mother had found her son "frantic", with mottled legs, and described his lips as "going blue".
He was treated at the intensive trauma unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend before Mr Bradley suffered a cardiac arrest. He had also been suffering with a displaced fracture through the fifth right rib and damage to intercostal vessels, arteries and veins. In that location there was found to be a lot of