"Man Sentenced for Fatal Punch That Claimed Life of 48-Year-Old Dad at Charity Football Event"

A THUG who killed a dad, 48, with a single punch at a charity football event has been jailed.

David Lewis killed , known as Olly, in a “vicious” and “unprovoked” attack in October last year, a court heard.

David Lewis, 38, was today jailed at Luton Crown CourtCredit: Hertfordshire Police Oliver Frogell, 48, died in hospital 10 days after the attackCredit: SWNS

Luton Crown was told the victim went to the event at Hemel Hempstead Town FC to pick up his wife and kids.

-fuelled Lewis, 38, followed Oliver and threw the fatal punch after downing eight pints of Guinness and shots of Tequila Rose.

With one unprovoked punch, you have taken my world from me

Freddie Frogell, Oliver's son

Oliver, a popular dad-of-two, was knocked unconscious and rushed to hospital with a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury.

He tragically died in hospital 10 days later when the decision was made to turn off his life support.

Prosecutor Jonathan Mole told the court: “On the evening of October 24, the defendant attended a party fundraiser in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.

“Mr Frogell entered the bar area and spoke to a group of other regulars from the club, before playing a game of pool with a young male.”

Mr Mole told the court there had been a “disturbance” as the event was ending, which involved a friend of Lewis’.

The prosecutor said Oliver’s manner was described by witnesses as “casual and not aggressive”, the court heard.

“The defendant gestured in his direction and walked after Mr Frogell. The two had a brief interaction, with Mr Frogell then walking away,” said Mr Mole.

“[Lewis] followed him further up the road and attempted to tap him on the shoulder.

“After a very brief interaction – no longer than five seconds – the defendant delivered a single punch to Mr Frogell’s face.

“Mr Frogell fell to the ground. The defendant walked away from the football club, leaving Mr Frogell unconscious on the pavement.”

Married dad-of-two Lewis voluntarily went to a station the day after the incident after hearing the victim was in a coma.

But he told officers the punch was thrown in “pre-emptive self-defence”.

It’s inhumane what you did. I will never forgive you as long as I live

Lisa Frogell-Mason, Oliver's wife

Defending, John Ryder KC told the court Lewis had shown “genuine regret and remorse”, calling him a “decent man”.

Lewis, of Hemel Hempstead, admitted manslaughter and was today (Weds) jailed for four years and two months.

Upon sentencing, Judge Michael Simon said the defendant’s “alcohol-fuelled misjudgment” was the reason for Oliver’s death.

He said: “The night of October 24, 2025, was meant to be one of charity and community support, but instead it became one of tragedy and communal mourning.

“Olly was 48 years old. His sudden death in such tragic circumstances came as such a shock to family, friends and the wider community.”

The judge added: “It was at best a monumental, alcohol-fuelled misjudgement with catastrophic consequences.

“You didn’t stay to see what outcome of your violence was.”

In harrowing victim impact statements, Oliver’s family also paid heartbreaking tributes to the beloved father.

Devastated son, Freddie, said: “You have taken everything from me.

“I will never get back my dad. I don’t understand how any man can cause such hurt to my gentle dad.

“The year that Arsenal are actually going to win the league and he’s not going to see it.

“A part of me died that day, as well. [My dad] will never be there to see me get married or meet my kids.

“With one unprovoked punch, you have taken my world from me.”

Oliver’s wife, Lisa Frogell-Mason, said in an emotional statement: “Life for us will never be the same again. I have been with Olly since 1999.

Olly was taken from me in a senseless, unprovoked, vicious assault by an evil, violent thug who has ruined my life

Jack Frogell, Oliver's father

“We got engaged and had two beautiful children. We had so much to look forward to.

“That night destroyed us as a family. The incident took place at a charity event we’ve attended for the last six years.

“This has been scarred by this horrendous act of violence.

“You decided to destroy our future. Rather than help him, you walked away. You left his lifeless body on the floor.

“It’s inhumane what you did. I will never forgive you as long as I live.

“I hope that haunts you for the rest of your life, because it does ours.

“I ran out with our children to something I can only describe as a horror scene: my husband, their father, fighting for his life.

“I knew he was gone. Having to keep our children back and telling them they couldn’t be with their dad was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

“I had to pull my son off his dad. He didn’t want to let him go.

“It absolutely rips me apart. To hear the sheer force of the punch caused the brain damage.

“Financially, you have ruined us as a family. I will never forgive you for how you ruined us as a family.

“[Olly] will never be able to walk his daughter down the aisle. We won’t get to grow old together.”

Oliver’s disabled father, Jack Frogell, called Lewis “evil” and said: “Apart from losing my son, I have also lost my best mate. Words can’t describe how this has made me feel.

“Olly was taken from me in a senseless, unprovoked, vicious assault by an evil, violent thug who has ruined my life.

“The little time I have left, I have been deprived by a thug who cowardly ran away after the unprovoked attack and left Olly fighting for his life.”

Brother Jay Frogell said he could no longer watch football after the tragedy.

He said: “All football is now a reminder to me that Olly is no longer with us.

“Olly’s needless and senseless death has had a massive impact on me and my family. Nothing that happens today can change that.”

Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “This has been a heartbreaking ordeal for Olly’s family and friends, and our thoughts are with them as they continue to deal with their loss.”