Ipswich teenager found guilty of manslaughter

He'll be sentenced in April.

Author: Shaunna BurnsPublished 24th Feb 2026

A teenage boy has been found guilty of manslaughter following the death of a man in Ipswich's Whitehouse area.

On 23rd February, a jury at Ipswich Crown Court delivered the verdict against the unnamed teenage defendant due to his age.

Andrew Roche, 42, a local man, died after an altercation that began on Ulster Avenue on 25th July last year.

Roche succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 11th August.

Thomas Watchman, 39, of Wicklow Road, also stood trial but was cleared of manslaughter.

Instead, Watchman was found guilty of assault by beating and sentenced to eight weeks behind bars, considering the time already spent in custody.

The teenage boy is slated for sentencing on 17th April.

The court proceedings underscore the seriousness of the incident and the impact it has had on the Ipswich community.

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