Thug kills man by kicking and punching him as he lay defenceless on the floor

A thug who brutally attacked a man by kicking and punching him as he lay defenceless on the floor caused his death after his victim developed sepsis and died weeks later in hospital. Steven Chappell was acquitted of murdering Daniel Bradley, who sustained numerous injuries including a fractured rib.

Chappell, 29, was accused of murdering of Mr Bradley, of Bridgend, who died on September 23 last year. He was convicted of manslaughter on Thursday following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, but was found not guilty of murder.

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 decribed his lips as "going blue".

He was treated at the intensive trauma unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital