Boy, 14, cleared of manslaughter of Connor Saunders

A 14-year-old boy was cleared of manslaughter by a jury at Hove Crown Court today (Thursday 8 November).

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, killed 19-year-old Connor Saunders when he punched him in the head in Rottingdean in April.

Connor fell unconscious to the ground in West Street, Rottingdean, on Saturday 14 April.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he died the next day as a result of the injuries to his head.

Connor Saunders

The trial, which started almost four weeks ago, examined the moments leading up to the death of Connor, who lived in Downsway, Woodingdean.

The 14-year-old defendant admitted punching Connor but said that he had acted in self-defence.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick May, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, led the inquiry into Connor’s death.

After the verdict he said: “Sussex Police carried out a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Connor’s death and we respect the decision of the court today.

“Any circumstances in which someone meets an untimely death are difficult and our thoughts remain with Connor’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with what happened.”