Scaffolder on Trial for Fatal Punch Expresses ‘Heartbreak’

Jurors have been informed that a scaffolder expressed being “heartbroken” upon learning of the death of a man he had punched outside a sports club following a Euro 2024 football match. Oscar Jackson, 21, of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, struck Grant Wallendorf, 45, in the face. This occurred after both individuals had viewed the England versus Serbia game at a sports club located in Ickleford on June 16. Mr. Wallendorf, also a resident of Hitchin, sustained a brain injury and subsequently passed away in hospital. Mr. Jackson, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and manslaughter, stated that his punch was delivered in “self-defence” and that he had no intention to cause harm or death. During the Crown Court trial in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, jurors were informed that the incident was captured on CCTV footage, which Mr. Wallendorf had installed at the club. Video evidence presented at the trial depicted Mr. Wallendorf making gestures in the club’s car park following the game, prior to being punched by Mr. Jackson. Mr. Wallendorf was observed falling backward and then lying flat on the ground. Prosecuting barrister Simon Wilshire presented a statement that Mr. Jackson, residing at Wilshere Crescent, had provided to the police following his arrest. According to the statement, Mr. Jackson had watched the game with companions at the club and had proceeded to urinate in bushes adjacent to the car park when an unknown man approached him. Mr. Jackson recounted that the man was abusive and aggressive, telling him he was “disgusting.” Mr. Jackson stated that the man “threatened me with getting into trouble” and informed him about the presence of installed CCTV. He explained that he had entered the club to use a toilet, but the man approached him once more when he returned outside. “He said, ‘I don’t care how tall you are, you are going to feel my power’,” Mr. Jackson informed police. “I punched him once.” Mr. Jackson asserted that he had not punched him with “anything close to full power.” He further stated, “I didn’t intend for him to be harmed or killed.” “I was so heartbroken when I heard what had happened. The punch was thrown purely in self defence, as I believed I was about to be assaulted by him. It was a pre-emptive strike.” Mr. Wilshire informed jurors that Mr. Wallendorf had been served nine pints of lager over the course of the late afternoon and evening on June 16. He also stated that Mr. Jackson had been served two pints of lager and one double vodka and coke. The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday. News for Beds, Herts, and Bucks is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.