Bonn Square killer gets three years in prison
Police at the site of the killing in October
THE MAN responsible for the death of Graham Playle, who died outside a kebab van in Bonn Square in October, has been found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to three years in jail. Playle was killed on 22nd October 2004 after he was punched by Craig Bell, causing him to fall back and hit his head. The 57-year-old was knocked unconcious and died two hours later. On 11th February, in Oxford Crown Court, Bell, 24, was sentenced to three years in prison after he admitted manslaughter.
Loved-ones of Playle say they feel no bitterness towards his killer - despite the short sentence given to Bell. Playle's brother Mike spoke of his sadness at his loss. “I'm still deeply upset about my brother and miss him a great deal, we were great mates. I'm not going to jump up and down about the sentence as I don't think it's the length of it that is important but [the] good that can come out of it - such as the possibility of Bell improving.
“I accept his apology and the fact he did not set out with the intention of killing my brother. I just hope the shock of the fact that he did will make him think.” In court, Bell apologised to the victim's family, and admitted his actions could be seen as cowardly.
17th Feb 2005