Man jailed for manslaughter of Blackpool dad

A Blackpool dad never got the chance to be a father to his baby daughter after being attacked outside a nightclub in the resort. 

George Fenlon, 23, suffered serious head injuries during the assault on The Strand, Blackpool, on 15^th August last year.

He died in hospital from his injuries just over three months later, having never regained consciousness.

A fortnight before George passed away, his partner gave birth to their daughter Clara Georgia.

She was given the middle name Georgia in honour of her dad.

Clara Georgia would lay in the nook of George’s arm in his hospital bed, tender moments spent together for two weeks before George died.

At Preston Crown Court, Rhys Jones, 2,  of Hampton Street, Cannock, Staffordshire, was jailed for 10 years and two months after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

He had been in Blackpool as a holidaymaker when he attacked George near to the Trilogy nightclub.

In her Victim Personal Statement, George’s partner Bethany Turner said: “Sadly George was never to see the beautiful daughter we created, as on 15^th August, George (pictured below) was attacked.

“The world changed for me in one phone call. Confusion at first, then upset and hurt.” 

Bethany’s statement continued: “The majority of my pregnancy was bittersweet. On 8^th November I had a midwife appointment. By this time, we knew there was nothing more that could be done for George.

“After lots of conversations and consideration, I decided the only thing I could do was to ask if I could have an emergency C-section.

“At least this way, in some way our little girl could have some sort of memories to look back upon in later years. Some tangible connection between her and her Daddy.

“On 8^th November, Clara was born, and I gave her the middle name Georgia after her Daddy.

“Within just four hours of her coming into the world she was able to meet her Daddy. She laid under his arm for a little while, so content and peacefully, she fitted perfectly in the nook of his arm.

“Two weeks was all the time Clara got with her Daddy, two weeks which were spent getting as many pictures and keepsakes as we all could so that Clara would always know how much her Daddy loved her.

“On 22^nd November my world fell apart, my heart smashed into a million pieces, and my daughter’s life changed before it had really begun.

“Clara will never know the love of her Daddy, never have a hug in her Daddy’s arms.

“She will never be able to fully understand how great he was, how much he cared for her or feel his teddy bear-like arms holding her close.”

George’s mum, Melissa Fenlon, said in her Victim Personal Statement: “George was always known by all that knew him as a gentle, loving and kind young man.

“He was previously a popular barman, well known in Blackpool; he loved his job and was well known for his demonstrations of cocktail making.”

Mrs Fenlon continued: “George was always a constant source of support for me throughout his life. Me and George faced the world together.

“George was my son and best friend; he was my rock and my life.

“George could have been the most amazing and perfect dad. He would have been the kind of dad every girl should have.

“Clara will never have hugs and cuddles from her dad, she will never have George, she will never know George, the George we all knew and loved so much.” 

Det Insp Steve Hallam, of our Force Major Incident Team, said: "My thoughts continue to be with George's family and loved ones.

"The assault by Rhys Jones left George with terrible injuries and in a coma, which meant he was unable to see his baby daughter when she was born.

"This case highlights what devastating consequences assaults of this nature can have."