Retrial ordered in football fan manslaughter case
- Published
Jurors have been unable to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of killing a football fan in a post-match brawl.
Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a head injury outside The Manchester pub on Blackpool Promenade in March 2023, following a game between Blackpool and Burnley.
Jake Balmforth, 35, of Tarvin Close, Burnley, denies manslaughter.
After the jury at Preston Crown Court could not agree a verdict, Judge Robert Altham ordered a retrial which is due to begin on 28 April.
In a tribute shortly after the grandfather's death, Mr Johnson's partner said she was "devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate".
She added: "We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same."
Listen to the best of 91Èȱ¬ Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow 91Èȱ¬ Lancashire on , and . You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, external and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.