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Daniel Shepherd innocent of manslaughter in Jonathan Thomas trial

Daniel Shepherd has been found not guilty of manslaughter in the Jonathan Thomas trial at Swansea Crown Court today.

A jury has decided that the 23 year old from Skewen acted lawfully when he punched Jonathan Thomas during a late-night confrontation in Swansea city centre.

Daniel Shepherd has been found not guilty of manslaughter of Jonathan Thomas Credit: Athena Picture Agency, South Wales Police

Former rugby player Mr Thomas suffered a ruptured artery at the base of the skull and collapsed to the floor after being hit.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the 34-year-old could not be saved.

Jonathon Thomas died during a night out in Swansea city centre. Credit: South Wales Police / Family Photo

The court has heard how a single punch during a normal night out can ruin so many lives and lead to such a tragic loss of life. If some good can come from such a tragic incident then I hope that people watching or reading about the case will reflect and think about the impact one punch can have so we can prevent further incidents in the future.

– DCI Gareth Morgan, South Wales Police
Daniel Shepherd has been found not guilty of manslaughter in the Jonathan Thomas trial at Swansea Crown Court. Credit: Athena Picture Agency

Nothing will bring Jonathan back to us and no verdict will ever help us as a family.

We will never forget Jonathan. He was an amazing brother, son and grandson and is dearly loved and missed.

Jonathan’s memory will live on through the Jonathan Thomas Memorial Fund which has already raised over £10,000 for local charities.

– Thomas family statement
Jonathan Thomas played for Swansea RFC from 2002 to 2003. Credit: swansearfc.co.uk