Burnley man jailed for killing football fan in Blackpool

Thursday, 22 May 2025 15:30

By Central Radio News

A man has been jailed for five years after killing a football fan in Blackpool.

Jake Balmforth punched Tony Johnson during a disturbance outside the Manchester pub on the Promenade, on Saturday 4th March 2023.

Mr Johnson, 55, from Blackpool, suffered a serious head injury and very sadly died in hospital on 6th March without regaining consciousness.

The disturbance happened around 7.20pm in the evening, following a Championship game between Blackpool and Burnley at Bloomfield Road earlier in the day.

Balmforth had travelled to Blackpool to watch Burnley and was in the Manchester pub which on the day was a designated away pub for Burnley supporters.

Mr Johnson was among a group of Blackpool fans who gathered outside the pub.

During the disturbance which followed, Balmforth punched Mr Johnson once in the face, that blow caught on CCTV.

Police officers at the scene provided emergency medical assistance before Mr Johnson was taken to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Balmforth, 35, of Tarvin Close, Burnley, was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Preston Crown Court following a six-day trial earlier this month.

He was remanded into custody after the jury’s verdict and returned to the same court today where he was sentenced by Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston.

In addition to the five-year prison sentence, Balmforth was given a nine-year banning order from football grounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “My thoughts remain very much with Tony Johnson’s family.

“It has been a harrowing experience for them over the last two years, losing a loved one and having to relive the events of the evening of 4th March 2023 during the trial.

“This case shows how outbreaks of violence can lead to tragedy and what the terrible consequences of one punch can be.

“Jake Balmforth was convicted by the jury of Mr Johnson’s manslaughter and will have to carry that burden for the rest of his life.”

Eight other men who pleaded guilty to affray in relation to the disturbance outside the Manchester pub, will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 4th August.