Man who killed dad outside Blackpool nightclub sentenced

George Fenlon, 23, suffered serious head injuries during the assault on The Strand, Blackpool on August 15 last year.

He died in hospital from his injuries three months later having never regained consciousness.

In the early hours of that date, George, from Blackpool was also out with friends. Another man, Rhys Jones, met a girl and was trying to convince her to abandon her boyfriend and go with him. Mr Fenlon came across Jones arguing with the boyfriend in an alleyway on The Strand.

Very brief words were exchanged between Jones and Mr Fenlon before Jones squared up to him.

He threw several punches which caused Mr Fenlon to fall to the floor twice, but he quickly got back to his feet, before Jones delivered a final punch which proved to be the fatal blow. 

George Fenlon (Image: Lancashire Police)

Paramedics attended shortly after 2am when it was clear that Mr Fenlon's injuries were an immediate threat to his life, and he was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

A fortnight before he died, George’s partner gave birth to their daughter Clara Georgia – the middle name being in honour of her dad.

At Preston Crown Court today (Friday, July 26) Jones, 27, of Hampton Street, Cannock, Staffordshire, was jailed for 10 years and two months after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

He had been in Blackpool as a holidaymaker when he attacked George near to the Trilogy nightclub.

In her victim personal statement, George’s partner, Bethany Turner, said: “Sadly George was never able to see the beautiful daughter we created, as on August 15 George was attacked.

“The world changed for me in one phone call. Confusion at first, then upset and hurt.

“The majority of my pregnancy was bittersweet. On November 8 I had a midwife appointment. By this time, we knew there was nothing more that could be done for George.

“After lots of conversations and consideration, I decided the only thing I could do was to ask if I could have an emergency C-section.

“At least this way, in some way out little girl could have some sort of memories to look back upon in later years. Some tangible connection between her and her daddy.

“On November 8, Clara was born and I gave her the middle name Georgia after her daddy.

“Within just four hours of her coming into the world she was able to meet her daddy. She laid under his arm for a little while, so content and peacefully, she fitted perfectly in the nook of his arm.

“Two weeks was all the time Clara got with her daddy, two weeks which were spent getting as many pictures and keepsakes as we all could so that Clara would always know how much her daddy loved her.

“On November 22, my world fell apart, my heart smashed into a million pieces, and my daughter’s life changed before it had really begun.

“She will never be able to fully understand how great he was, how much he cared for her or feel his teddy bear-like arms holding her close.”

George’s mum, Melissa Fenlon, said in her statement: “George was always known by all that knew him as a gentle, loving and kind young man.

“He was previously a popular barman, well known in Blackpool; he loved his job and was well known for his demonstrations of cocktail making.”

 “George was always a constant source of support for me throughout his life. Me and George faced the world together.

“George was my son and best friend; he was my rock and my life.

“Clara will never have hugs and cuddles from her dad, she will never have George, she will never know George, the George we all knew and loved so much.”

Rhys Jones (Image: Lancashire Police)

Det Insp Steve Hallam of Lancashire Police's force major incident team, said: “My thoughts continue to be with George’s family and loved ones.

“The assault left George with terrible injuries and in a coma, which meant he was unable to see his baby daughter when she was born.

“This case shows what devastating consequences assaults of this nature can have.”

Joanne Close, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "I would like to offer my sincere condolences to George Fenlon's family and friends, who have lost a much-loved man to senseless violence.

"Rhys Jones carried out an unprovoked attack upon an innocent stranger in the street. He then fled the scene and returned home with no thought to the devastating consequences of his actions.

"George Fenlon has been deprived of the ability to support his partner in bringing up their baby daughter, who will grow up without her father in her life."