Plymouth, England – Two men have been sentenced to jail after a judge found them guilty of causing fatal injuries to 50-year-old father Stefan Shotton. Cowin Fuoco-Fisher, convicted of murder, and James Caswell, convicted of manslaughter, were involved in a violent altercation that resulted in Shotton’s death on May 28 last year in the Devonport area of Stoke.
Fuoco-Fisher, 26, had initially claimed self-defense, stating that Shotton had made inappropriate advances towards his girlfriend, but later confessed to the assault. Caswell, 29, was also implicated in the attack, with traces of Shotton’s blood found on his shorts. The victim suffered severe injuries, including a head injury, eventually leading to his death after life support was withdrawn.
During the trial at Plymouth Crown Court, it was revealed that Fuoco-Fisher had introduced Shotton to his girlfriend, Grace, who later reported being groped and harassed by the victim. Despite the provocation, the judge emphasized that the use of violent force was unjustified and excessive. CCTV footage captured the escalating confrontation between the men before the fatal assault took place.
Judge Linford condemned the men’s actions, pointing out how they escalated the situation rather than diffusing it. Fuoco-Fisher’s remorse was cited during sentencing, where he received a life term for murder. Caswell, who also expressed regret for his involvement, was sentenced to eight years for manslaughter. Both men were held accountable for their roles in the senseless and devastating attack on Shotton.
The impact of Shotton’s death on his family was highlighted in victim impact statements presented during the trial. His loved ones described the profound loss and grief they experienced following his passing. The judge acknowledged the emotional toll the incident had taken on Shotton’s loved ones, underscoring the irreparable harm caused by the defendants’ actions.
In response to the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Smith emphasized the severity of the attack and the lasting impact it had on Shotton’s family and community. He commended the family’s strength throughout the trial process and thanked them for their cooperation with law enforcement.
Amidst the trial proceedings, allegations surfaced regarding Shotton’s alleged criminal history, specifically related to sexual offenses. However, these claims were dismissed as unfounded, with no previous record of such behavior reported to the police. The focus remained on the unwarranted violence that led to Shotton’s tragic death and the accountability of those responsible.