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Liam Derrett, a 19-year-old described as a “peacemaker,” lost his life after attempting to intervene in a violent clash between two groups. The incident occurred on 1 June 2025 outside a pub in Market Place, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. According to court reports, Liam was struck from behind by Joshua Harris with a force likened to a “hammer-like blow,” which caused Liam to fall and suffer fatal injuries. Despite efforts by paramedics to revive him at the scene, Liam passed away in hospital two days later due to a base skull fracture and brain injury.
The courtroom learned that the altercation began from tensions unrelated to Liam, who was trying to calm the situation rather than engage in the fight. CCTV footage showed Liam stepping between the groups, urging them to stop: “Stop fighting lads, chill out, it’s not worth it.” However, his efforts tragically culminated in him being targeted by Harris and also punched twice by Kai Donachie before the fatal strike. Harris, aged 24, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a six-year prison sentence, while Donachie, 23, admitted to affray and was sentenced to four months imprisonment, having already spent six months on remand.
Liam’s father, Sam Derrett, expressed profound grief over the loss, saying, “He was needlessly taken from us – they acted like savages.” In a heartfelt statement read to the court, Sam described Liam as a bright, cheerful young man who had never been involved in trouble or conflict. “He was an amazing child, cheeky, lively, funny and always made us smile. He saw the positive in everything and everyone – it was a beautiful trait. He was lovely to be around. Liam never got into any trouble – not a detention or got into a fight with anyone. He did not make enemies. That day changed our lives forever, it is a moment we will never forget. I would not wish it upon anyone.”
Judge Shaun Smith KC remarked during sentencing that Liam’s role was clearly that of a peacemaker, and described the attack as both brutal and calculated. “He had no chance to see the blow coming or to take any avoiding action. The blow was so hard it knocked him straight to the ground,” the judge said. He emphasized the problem of drunken violence that often flares up in public places and noted that while such disturbances usually do not end tragically, this case was a devastating exception. Harris’s actions were not impulsive, but deliberate, whereas Donachie’s shorter sentence reflected the time he had already spent in custody
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