A former soldier, Paul Ainscough, tragically died following a violent confrontation regarding chicken wings. The incident occurred on June 22, 2024, at a pub in Leyland, where Ainscough and his friend, Liam Slack, engaged in an argument that escalated into physical violence. Slack, 34, has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his friend.
The events unfolded in the beer garden of the Stag pub, where Ainscough, 57, had purchased chicken wings. Witnesses reported that after finishing his food, Slack reached for Ainscough’s meal. This prompted a dispute between the two men, during which Slack threw Ainscough’s rucksack and pushed him, causing Ainscough to fall backwards onto a stone step. This fall resulted in severe internal injuries that led to Ainscough’s death two days later.
During the sentencing at Preston Crown Court, Judge Robert Altham described Ainscough as a “kind and generous” individual, well-regarded by those who knew him. Ainscough had a distinguished background, having served in the Army for 24 years before transitioning to a career in law enforcement. The judge emphasized the senselessness of Ainscough’s death, stating, “What a proud and precious life to have been taken by such a thoughtless act of violence.”
Slack had been drinking with Ainscough throughout the day at various pubs in Leyland. Both men were intoxicated by the time they reached the Stag pub around 19:30. After the altercation, Ainscough attempted to downplay the incident, telling bystanders that Slack “couldn’t hold his beer” and expressing his frustration about lending him money.
After leaving the pub, Slack later admitted to pushing Ainscough during a taxi ride, noting that he should not have done it. Unbeknownst to him, the push had caused serious harm. Ainscough returned home that night, where he informed his partner about the dispute before taking their dogs for a walk.
The following day, Ainscough complained of abdominal pain and requested an ambulance. His partner, having seen him in a seemingly normal state the previous evening, initially presumed he was suffering from a hangover. Tragically, when she returned home that afternoon, Ainscough was unresponsive. Emergency services were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed that Ainscough had suffered three broken ribs and died from internal bleeding.
Slack, who lives in Chorley, expressed immediate remorse upon learning of Ainscough’s death, fearing that his actions were responsible. During police interviews, he acknowledged his role in the incident, admitting to grabbing Ainscough’s food and pushing him.
Judge Altham noted Slack’s genuine remorse and the absence of premeditation in the attack but highlighted the troubling nature of his alcohol consumption. The judge remarked, “You knew that in drink you had a tendency to become aggressive. The fact you were drunk is an aggravating factor, as is the vulnerability of Mr. Ainscough.”
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of alcohol-fueled violence and the impact of seemingly trivial disputes that can escalate into life-altering events.
