Teenager handed 'rehabilitation order' for manslaughter of dad-of-three in Ipswich
42-year-old Andrew Roche died days after the attack in July last year
Last updated 21st Apr 2026
A 17-year-old boy has been sentenced for the manslaughter of dad-of-three, Andrew Roche, in Ipswich.
The teenager, who we can't name for legal reasons, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on 17th April and was given a 36-month rehabilitation order with intense supervision and surveillance.
The court heard that the fatal incident began as an 'altercation' in Ulster Avenue on 25th July last year, which resulted in Mr Roche being punched.
Andrew, aged 42, was taken to hospital but died on 11th August.
Judge Samantha Leigh noted that the teenager had a mental age equivalent to a nine-year-old, which influenced his instinctive reaction during the confrontation.
Co-accused Thomas Watchman, 39, was acquitted of manslaughter charges in February but found guilty of assault by beating.
Watchman was sentenced to an eight-week jail term, which had already been served during his time in custody.
Detective Inspector Dan Connick, who led the investigation, commended the Roche family's fortitude throughout the proceedings, stating, “They have displayed great dignity throughout the investigation and trial while dealing with a terrible personal tragedy.”
The head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, Detective Superintendent Phill Gray, had previously highlighted the risks of confrontations escalating into violence. “There is no defence for any violence in this way,” Gray said. “My message is quite simple: if tensions rise, de-escalate the situation or simply walk away. You might think punching someone once is not a big deal; cases like this prove otherwise.”
At the time of his death, Andrew's sister paid tribute to him on a Go Fund Me page, saying:
"My brother was one of a kind, he was always smiling, laughing and joking with anyone he knew and even strangers.. he was 42 years old, he was a dad to 3 young children, a brother to me, a son to my mum and dad and an uncle to 4 of my children."
"Andrew was a very popular man, and everybody has their own memories with my brother which is lovely. He didn't deserve this and neither did my family."