Tragedy of kind, caring barman killed for no reason
Kind, caring barman Matthew Powney was minding his own business at a bus stop when tragedy struck.
The much loved 31-year-old was in the wrong place at the wrong time and became the unwitting victim of Shaun Addison, an impulsive and recklessly violent man with a reputation for getting involved in arguments which had nothing to do with him.
The 27-year-old had just missed last orders at The Malthouse Weatherspoon pub in New Road, Willenhall, when the 529 bus pulled up at the stop outside around midnight.
He noticed that three people on board the double decker were involved in a dispute and could not resist butting in.
Kevin Shepperson had been accused by the other two of taking somebody else’s phone – a claim he denied. He had asked the driver to call the police to sort out the disagreement and they were waiting for officers to arrive.
Detective Inspector Justin Mason-Spanner said: “Nobody was squaring up to anybody else. Neither voices nor fists were raised. They were content to wait for the police.”
Addison, who was standing with two friends outside the pub, had other ideas. He realised there was a disagreement and climbed on board to join in. He ordered one of them off the bus but Mr Shepperson refused and was attacked.
DI Mason-Spanner explained: “Addison had nothing to do with it and became increasingly frustrated when they ignored him.”
The defendant suddenly felled 39-year-old Mr Shepperson with a punch. He caught the stunned victim in mid air, dragged him off the bus and threw him onto the pavement before returning to punch another of the trio.
Next he turned on father of one Mr Powney, who had nothing to do with the disagreement and was waiting at the bus stop after finishing his shift at The Malthouse where he had worked for several years.
He was not the member of staff who had refused to serve the attacker shortly before violence flared.
For no obvious reason Addison hit Mr Powney in the face, knocking him to the ground where the victim struck the back of his head on the pavement causing the subdural hematoma which led to his death.
His attacker made no attempt to offer first aid or any other assistance before leaving the scene with his two friends, one of whom had a distinctive haircut and was well known in the area. This helped to trace the defendant who gave himself up the following day after realising police were looking for him.
DI Mason-Spanner observed: “Addison had a reported propensity to respond to calls from others and help them out. His actions could be inappropriate, impulsive and reckless.”
The defendant, from Furzebank Way, Willenhall, admitted both the manslaughter of Mr Powney on the grounds of diminished responsibility and assaulting Mr Shepperson, who was sadly murdered in an unrelated incident nine months later.
His battered body was found bound hand and foot in his Bloxwich Road South, Willenhall flat. Several people have been charged in connection with his death.
Devastated relatives of Mr Powney said in a statement after the case: “Our family was torn apart by the sudden loss of Matthew. The reckless actions of another have destroyed our family and those who loved him.
“Matthew was a hardworking man who was embracing the joys of his young family. He was free spirited with a kind heart, passionate and enjoyed making people laugh.
“Matthew was a loving father, partner, son, brother and beyond. Everyday gets harder knowing we will never see him again.
“We have been forced to face a harsh reality of living with grief, adapting our lives around the heartbreak caused.
“Our family will cherish all the amazing memories that Matthew gave us. He will live on in our hearts and minds.
“We would like to thank everyone who has shown their love and support in these difficult times.”
