A mechanic who killed a Dundee dad-of-two with a single punch was today cleared of manslaughter after claiming he had acted in self-defence.
The Old Bailey had heard Jake Owen, 22, yelled “I’ve knocked you out” and “Who else wants some?” after flooring David Forbes, 42, outside a central London pub.
Mr Forbes who latterly lived in Kinloch Rannoch, and also worked abroad sustained serious head injuries as he crashed to the pavement and died in hospital two weeks after the November 25 incident.
Owen denied manslaughter and claimed he believed the victim was about to attack his girlfriend.
He said Mr Forbes had called Sasha Welch a ‘stupid bitch’ before confronting her and Owen with his fists raised.
An Old Bailey jury today cleared Owen of manslaughter after nearly four hours’ deliberation spanning two days.
He sighed heavily as he was discharged from the dock while Mr Forbes’ fiancee Jenny Kennedy who last year told The Courier of her heartbreak over the “senseless tragedy” held her head in her hands.
Loud sobs and screaming could be heard from Owen’s family in the public gallery.
For a full report and reaction to the verdict, see Saturday’s Courier or try our digital edition.