Hitchin man found guilty of manslaughter

A Hitchin man has been found guilty of manslaughter following the death of a man in Ickleford in June 2024.

Oscar Jackson, aged 21, of Wilshere Crescent, was found guilty at Cambridge Crown Court (sitting at Huntingdon Crown Court) today (27 November 2024) following a two-week trial.

A Hitchin man has been found guilty of manslaughter following the death of a man in Ickleford in June 2024.

Oscar Jackson, aged 21, of Wilshere Crescent, was found guilty at Cambridge Crown Court (sitting at Huntingdon Crown Court) today (27 November 2024) following a two-week trial.

At around 10.35pm on Sunday 16 June, a verbal disagreement occurred between Jackson and Grant Wallendorf in the car park of Ickleford Sports and Recreation Centre.

Jackson then assaulted Mr Wallendorf, punching him once to the head, leaving him unconscious on the ground.

He then moved his body out of the way of his vehicle so that he could quickly leave the scene. 

Jackson was found at his home address by police and subsequently arrested before being taken into custody.

Despite the best efforts of officers and health colleagues, Grant sadly died from his injuries in the hospital.

Following a trial, it took the jury of eight men and four women five hours to reach their verdict.

Jackson is due to be sentenced on Friday 10 January, 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “A snap decision from Jackson has led to catastrophic repercussions for the victim and his family, who I send my condolences to at what remains a very emotional time.

“This incident has also had a devastating effect on the community around Ickleford, and I hope that seeing Jackson convicted helps reassure the public that we will keep working hard to ensure that criminals are brought to justice.”