Daniel Vasey and Jason Trueman Sentenced for the Manslaughter of James Thorne

The family of 52-year-old James Thorne expressed their relief as Daniel Vasey and Jason Trueman were handed lengthy prison sentences following a brutal attack that led to Thorne's death. The incident occurred after a lengthy period of intimidation and violence towards Thorne.

Vesey and Trueman terrorised Thorne and his housemate, Graham Miller, over a span of three to four years, forcibly extracting money from them under threats. This intimidation escalated significantly on June 14, when Thorne refused to open his door to the pair, leading to a violent confrontation later that day, resulting in Thorne collapsing and never regaining consciousness.

Both men pleaded guilty to manslaughter and were sentenced on April 14. In court, Judge Suzanne Goddard KC highlighted the vulnerable position of Thorne, noting that despite his struggles, he ‘enriched the lives of many others’.

Terrorising the Vulnerable

Prosecutors detailed how Vasey and Trueman specifically targeted Thorne on the day he received his benefits payments. Their violent behaviour created a climate of fear, preventing victims from reporting their actions. They continued to intrude into Thorne and Miller's home, often demanding money and alcohol.

On the day of Thorne’s death, CCTV footage captured the men purchasing alcohol before returning to Thorne’s house, where they used deceptive tactics to gain entry and subsequently inflicted a severe beating on Thorne.

During the assault, which lasted approximately seven minutes, Thorne sustained numerous injuries before ultimately collapsing later while shopping. He tragically passed away in hospital on July 1 due to severe head injuries.

Impact on Loved Ones

Vesey was sentenced to 19 years and six months, while Trueman received 18 years and 10 months in prison. Both will serve two-thirds of their sentences before being eligible for parole.

In the aftermath of Thorne's death, his family shared their devastation, expressing gratitude for the support they received during such a distressing time. They remembered him as a loving father and grandfather who made a significant impact on those around him.

Senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe reinforced the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the profound loss felt by Thorne's family and the community due to the violent actions of Vesey and Trueman.