Man handed 12 year sentence for causing the death of a man he punched in Dereham
Michael O'Dwyer was assaulted outside of the Red Lion pub in July 2024
Last updated 30th Jan 2025
A man from Norfolk has been given a 12 year sentence after causing the death of a man in Dereham in July.
Tyrone Busch, aged 42, of St Withburga Lane, Dereham appeared at Norwich Crown Court today.
On 12 December 2024 he pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 31-year-old Michael O’Dwyer, also known as Michael Spooner.
Of his sentence, eight years will be custodial and the rest on an extended license period.
It comes after paramedics were called to an address in Dereham at around 5am on Sunday 21 July following reports that a man was unwell and could not be roused.
He was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital where he sadly died later that evening.
Police were notified of the man’s death on Tuesday 23 July 2024 and enquiries revealed a serious assault had occurred outside the Red Lion Public House in Dereham on Saturday evening, 20 July.
A murder investigation was launched and Busch was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
At a crown court hearing the manslaughter plea was accepted by the prosecution.
The court heard Busch and the victim were sitting together drinking outside the Red Lion pub when without warning Busch got to his feet and delivered a forceful punch to the victim causing him to fall backwards.
Following the entirely unprovoked attack Busch then sat back down and finished his drink making no attempt to help the victim and then left the scene while the victim lay on the ground for around ten minutes.
The victim did eventually get to his feet and, with the help of friends, made his way home.
In the early hours of Sunday his friend became concerned when he was unable to wake him and called the ambulance service.
A Home Office post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a traumatic head injury which would have evolved over the subsequent hours.
After a police manhunt Busch was found hiding in a toilet cubicle at the Beeston Ploughshare Public House on Wednesday 24 July.
In court:
Michael’s parents both described how much their son mattered and was loved.
His mother told how he had been adopted at the age of six along with his two younger brothers.
He enjoyed simple pleasures, loved his work as a labourer, and was devoted to his two young sons.
He also had ambitions to become a bricklayer and provide a stable life for his children.
She said it was “beyond cruel” that his life had been taken, adding: “I know that nothing can bring Michael back, but I would like to know that the person who took his life fully understands what a terrible thing he has done, and that Michael was a kind and gentle person who was much loved and very much missed.
“He mattered very much to his family, and we will continue to miss him every day. "
Michael's father said he had been let down and treated unfairly over the years, but was kind and trusting and always willing to see the best in people.
He wanted to be the best dad in the world.
He said: “Describing the ways in which I have been impacted by Michael’s murder doesn’t seem appropriate – Michael suffered the greatest loss - he lost everything.
"He’s lost seeing his boys grow up, he’s lost all of that time with the ones he loves, he's lost his dream of working as a bricklayer with his name on the side of his van and his grown-up boys at his side.
"He should still be with us."
In her statement Michael's partner told the court how he loved Christmas and celebrating birthdays with his boys.
She described how their lives were unrecognisable following his death, adding: "It's all really traumatic. I don't think I'll ever get over this."
"Michael's family and friends have suffered a terrible loss"
Superintendent Stuart Chapman who led the inquiry, said: “This was a shocking assault which came out of nowhere causing a catastrophic injury to a defenceless man.
“Michael's family and friends have suffered a terrible loss and deal with the pain of not having him in their lives every single day.
“Busch meanwhile has time in prison to reflect on his violent actions which have taken another man’s life and brought such devastation.
“When people resort to such senseless violence the consequences can be tragic and far-reaching as this case sadly shows.”