Man jailed for manslaughter following fatal assault in Andover

A man has been jailed for manslaughter after a fatal assault in Andover last year. 

Shane Richard Donovan, 28, of York Court in Andover, has been jailed for nine years and one month for the manslaughter of John William Carroll, who was fatally assaulted on River Way on 29 July 2021.

He appeared before Winchester Crown Court for sentencing today, Thursday 8 September, after entering a guilty plea at Winchester Crown Court on 7 October 2021.

The court heard how John William Carroll, 62, had been working at the Tesco store on River Way when he was assaulted just before 9.20pm on Thursday 29 July 2021.

John was collecting trollies in the car park when he became involved in a disagreement with an 18-year-old man who had taken a Tesco wheelchair from the store.

Donovan, a friend of the 18 year old man, then approached John and assaulted him without warning before immediately making off on foot.

John was taken to hospital with a serious head injury where he sadly died on 10 August 2021.

Shane Richard Donovan had previously been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, however the charge of manslaughter was laid on 7 October 2021.

He was today sentenced to nine years and one month, with a five-year extended licence period.

A 28-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman, all from Andover, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Following a full review of all the available evidence, no further action was taken against them.

At today’s hearing, Donovan also pleaded guilty to two offences of assaulting an emergency worker, for which he received two and four month sentences. These will run concurrently to the main sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rod Kenny said “Donovan carried out his violent and unprovoked attack when John was simply doing his job.

“Donovan’s actions resulted in John’s life being tragically taken from him and his family feel the pain of that every day.

“Whilst we know this outcome won’t bring him back, we hope that this sentence brings some closure to John’s family, friends, and colleagues as they continue to come to terms with their loss.  

“This case highlights the devastation these senseless acts of violence can cause, not only to those involved but also their friends and families.

“Our thoughts firmly remain with John’s family and all those who were close to him at this time.”

Chief Inspector Kory Thorne, the District Commander for Test Valley said: “This was a completely unnecessary and unprovoked act of violence resulting in the death of a man who was just doing his job.

“I am grateful to all the officers who responded to this tragic incident and worked so hard on this investigation.

“I would also like to thank the local community who not only pulled together to support John’s family but also for helping us deliver justice.  

“No sentence will take away the pain felt by so many following John’s death and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues.”