Plymouth, United Kingdom – Two men have been sentenced following a violent incident that resulted in the death of 50-year-old father Stefan Shotton in Devonport, Stoke. Cowin Fuoco-Fisher was found guilty of murder, while James Caswell was convicted of manslaughter and now face jail time for their roles in the fatal attack.
The court heard that Fuoco-Fisher and Caswell assaulted Shotton after an altercation where Shotton reportedly made inappropriate advances towards Fuoco-Fisher’s girlfriend. Despite initial provocation, the judge emphasized that the violence inflicted on Shotton was unwarranted and did not justify the extreme force used that led to his tragic death.
During the trial, it was revealed that the altercation turned physical when Fuoco-Fisher and Caswell repeatedly assaulted Shotton, resulting in fatal injuries. The court noted the severity of the violence inflicted on Shotton, emphasizing the unnecessary and brutal nature of the attack.
Fuoco-Fisher, expressing remorse for his actions, was sentenced to life in prison for murder, with a minimum term of 16 years. Caswell, on the other hand, received a sentence of eight years for manslaughter, with the possibility of release on license after serving two-thirds of his term.
Describing the impact of Shotton’s death on his loved ones, the judge acknowledged the devastation caused by the senseless attack. Despite the tragic outcome, the court highlighted the importance of accountability for those who engage in such levels of violence and emphasized the severity of the consequences for their actions.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Smith commended the jury’s verdict and emphasized that those responsible for using or encouraging significant violence will be held accountable under the fullest extent of the law. The police also clarified that allegations regarding Shotton being a sex offender were unfounded, as investigations revealed no such criminal history for the victim.