Two East Midlands men sentenced for fatal attack on young man in Ilkeston
Police called it an "unprovoked act of violence"
Two men have been sentenced in relation to the death of 19-year-old Liam Derrett.
Liam, from Kirk Hallam, died in hospital on 3rd June 2025 after being assaulted days earlier in the Ilkeston Market Place.
He had spent the evening out with friends on Sunday 1st June and was assaulted while attempting to calm down violence that erupted outside the Market Inn pub.
Liam had not been involved in the earlier altercation, which started inside the pub between two groups of men who had been in a dispute.
When the fighting spilled into the street, witnesses described Liam as a peacekeeper, urging others to calm down.
CCTV footage showed that Liam was first approached and hit twice by Kai Donachie, causing him to stumble backwards.
He was then attacked by Joshua Harris, who struck him and caused him to fall and hit his head. Liam was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham in a critical condition but died from his injuries two days later.
Harris and Donachie were arrested and originally charged with murder. However, both submitted new guilty pleas which were accepted by the prosecution.
Harris, 24, of Little Hallam Lane, Ilkeston, admitted manslaughter, while Donachie, 24, of Bilborough Road, Nottingham, admitted affray.
Both men expressed remorse during sentencing at Derby Crown Court on Tuesday 3rd February.
Harris received a six-year prison sentence. Donachie was sentenced to four months, but having already served that time on remand, he will not spend additional time behind bars.
During the hearing, a victim impact statement from Liam's family was read out in court, saying: “As a family we then had to cope with the death of our beloved son and brother. We had to try to move forward but that was an impossible task.
“Knowing from that day forward we would never see him ever again was truly crushing.”
The family also issued a statement after the sentencing, saying: “Liam was a kind, caring, selfless, funny and loveable character, amazing brother and son, he always brought positive energy to any situation.
“He would always offer help to anyone that needed it and this sadly led to his death. Life for his family and friends will never be the same.
“We have lost our ray of sunshine, words cannot describe how much we love and miss him.”
Detective Chief Inspector Viki Ellis, who led the investigation, said: “Liam was everything to his family and friends and his death has had a profound impact on all who knew him.
“I cannot even begin to imagine the hurt and pain his family has had to endure over the last several months.
“This was an unprovoked act of violence committed by Donachie and Harris – and they will have to live with the consequences of their actions for the rest of their lives.
“No sentence can ever bring Liam back, and the pain of losing him so suddenly and violently will remain with his family.
“I would like to commend Liam’s family for the dignified way in which they have conducted themselves whilst dealing with these deeply challenging months.
“My thoughts, and those of the investigation team, will continue to remain with them as they continue to grieve for Liam.
“Alongside Liam’s family, I would like to commend members of the community for their cooperation in helping us to bring Donachie and Harris to justice.
“I also want to thank the investigation team for their dedication and commitment throughout this case.”