Glen Kitchens’ death verdict: Killer jailed for six years

The courtroom fell silent this afternoon (Friday 22nd November 2013) as Jadon Jackson was jailed for the unlawful killing of Mr Kitchens.

The teenager, of Cheapside, Worksop, had denied killing Mr Kitchens with a single punch on Saturday 6th April, but was found guilty of manslaughter earlier this month. Both families were in court to hear the sentence at Nottingham Crown Court.

Judge Nigel Godsmark said Jackson’s behaviour that evening, and that of other youths in Worksop town centre, was ‘loutish and arrogant’ and, in his view, fuelled by alcohol.

He told Jackson, who turns 17 on Wednesday, that it was a tragedy he was having to deal with a teenager for the consequences of his actions, which lasted just seconds.

But he added: “Make no mistake, by far the greater tragedy is the loss of Glen Kitchens and the impact that leaves on those he leaves behind.”

Mr Kitchens was a former postman and self-employed window fitter who lived alone in Lancastrian Way.

Friends described him as a kind, gentle and private man who went quietly about his business. Saturday 6th April was the day of the Grand National and he and his friends were out in Worksop.

They went to The CornerHouse in Bridge Place then Yates in Victoria Square and finally Liquorice Gardens in Newcastle Street. Mr Kitchens left for home, but on his way he encountered a group of youths in Bridge Street.

The last time his friends heard from him, Mr Kitchens had called to say he was having some trouble with a group of lads outside Burton’s.

The last time they saw him alive was as they went to help him. As they approached, they saw he was surrounded by youths, then Jadon Jackson ran towards Mr Kitchens and punched him.

That single punch knocked him unconscious. As he fell backwards his head hit a stone pillar and the impact killed him.

Judge Godmark said his sentence took into account that Jackson - who has been in custody since his arrest in April - was a youth, but also that he was looking for confrontation and ran some distance to deliver an unprovoked punch.

“But whatever sentence I pass wouldn’t be long enough for Glen Kitchens’ family,” he added.