Man admits manslaughter after Leyland assault

Thursday, 28 August 2025 17:57

By Central Radio News

A man has admitted to fatally assaulting a man in Leyland.

On Monday 24th June 2024, officers were called to a property in Hollinshead Street, Chorley, following a report that a man had been found deceased. Police officers attended and it was confirmed that 57-year-old Paul Ainscough had died.

A Home Office post mortem examination confirmed that Paul died as a result of blunt force trauma to the chest.

The investigation established that Paul had been assaulted inside the Stag pub in Worden Lane, Leyland, two days earlier by defendant Liam Slack.

This assault was witnessed by a number of people and his condition subsequently deteriorated, eventually leading to his death.

An examination of Paul’s mobile phone also showed messages where Slack admitted to the assault.

Slack, 34, of Langton Brow, Eccleston, was initially arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Assault, then later on suspicion of murder. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Slack was charged with manslaughter.

Slack appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court today (28th August) and pleaded guilty to Paul’s manslaughter.

He will be sentenced at the same court on 1st December

DI Marc Armstrong, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “I welcome today’s guilty plea, which holds Slack accountable for Paul’s unlawful death. The plea means that Paul's family will not have to face the anguish of a trial and my thoughts remain with them at what continues to be a traumatic time.

‘’I would also like to thank the public for coming forward and giving statements which enabled us to establish exactly what happened. The family continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.”