22-05-2025
One-punch killer of rival Blackpool fan in brawl outside pub on the Promenade is jailed
A man who killed a rival football fan with one punch has been jailed.
Tony Johnson, who was 55, was among a group of Blackpool supporters who gathered outside the Manchester Pub on the Promenade following the Championship tie with Burnley on March, 4 2023.
The pub had been designated for away fans but a disturbance developed between the rival groups, amongst the visiting fans was Jake Balmforth.
He was caught on CCTV punching Mr Johnson once in the face, and he suffered a serious head injury.
Despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene, and care given by medical staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, he died two days later without regaining consciousness.
Balmforth, 35, of Tarvin Close, Burnley, was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Preston Crown Court after a six-day trial earlier this month.
Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, jailed him for five years at the same court on Thursday.
Balmforth was also given a nine-year order banning him from football grounds.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows of Lancashire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team said: 'My thoughts remain very much with Tony Johnson's family.
'It has been a harrowing experience for them over the last two years, losing a loved one and having to relive the events of the evening of 4 March 2023 during the trial.
'This case shows how outbreaks of violence can lead to tragedy and what the terrible consequences of one punch can be.
'Jake Balmforth was convicted by the jury of Mr Johnson's manslaughter and will have to carry that burden for the rest of his life.'
Eight other men who pleaded guilty to affray will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 4 August.
