Channel 4 documentary features Rugby case

In July 2013 David Ryding, from Moreton in Wirral, Mersyside, died after sustaining serious head injuries.

An inquest in December 2013 heard how Mr Ryding and Ben Hartwell got involved in an altercation in Market Place, which led to Mr Ryding swinging a punch, which missed, and Mr Hartwell retaliating in self defence.

After being punched Mr Ryding fell to the floor and then hit his head. He died in hospital the following day after his life support machine was switched off.

The inquest ruled the incident was a lawful killing.

Three years after the incident Mr Hartwell will be appearing in a Channel 4 documentary called ‘One Killer Punch’.

Posting on his Facebook page, Mr Hartwell said: “Three years ago I found my self in a situation that changed my life forever. That night through no fault of my own, I found myself in a life changing moment of madness where my one action took a son from his father and a husband from his wife.

“I find it so hard to talk about, but the reason I agreed to do this, is to purely raise awareness on how one punch can kill.

“I want people to be aware that the actions you take can damage the lives of others, and when that happens it’s something you have to live with for the rest your life.

“The documentary shows exactly what happened. I urge you to watch the programme because it’s shows how easily things can escalate.

“Please share the post to get the word out as I’m hoping it may save somebody’s life one day. I will also be on “This Morning” Tuesday to talk about everything that’s gone on.

“Can I also please ask you not to contact me or my family regarding the event as even after such a long time it’s something that we are all still finding hard to deal with.”

The case will appear on ‘One Killer Punch’ on Channel 4 on Tuesday at 10pm.