An Army veteran and charity worker died after being repeatedly punched and stamped on during a savage late-night attack in Hull city centre. Martin Chadburn, 53, suffered a catastrophic bleed on the brain after being assaulted in the early hours of April 19, 2026.
Three people have now been convicted of manslaughter following a six-week trial at Hull Crown Court. Britney Naylor, Shaytoyia Farrow and Lukasz Matusiak were found guilty over the fatal attack, which unfolded after Mr Chadburn left a pub with a friend. The pair had been at The Star on Carr Lane before meeting a group of three women at around 3.30am.
A minor altercation between the two groups quickly escalated into violence. CCTV and mobile phone footage showed the women following Mr Chadburn and his friend after the men had walked away from the initial confrontation.
Two other men in the vicinity subsequently joined the group and became involved in the assault. Witnesses described the attackers turning on both men, with one recalling how an assailant stamped on Mr Chadburn after he had been knocked to the ground.
Mr Chadburn was found lying on the ground, bleeding from the head and unresponsive. He was taken to hospital but died two days later from his injuries. A post-mortem examination established that he had suffered a catastrophic bleed on the brain caused by a blow to the head.
The prosecution demonstrated that his fatal injury was sustained during the wider assault, in which he was repeatedly punched and stamped on. Senior Crown Prosecutor Marie Walsh, of CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said Mr Chadburn had been a much-loved veteran who dedicated his life to helping others.
She said: “He was viciously assaulted by a group of people who chose violence when they could have walked away. “Witnesses described the appalling way he was repeatedly assaulted by the group, even after he had already been knocked to the ground and was unable to defend himself.”
Ms Walsh said the defendants had tried to distance themselves from the consequences of their actions, but prosecutors had proved how they all played a part in his death. She added: “Our thoughts remain with Martin’s family and loved ones. I hope today’s convictions can provide them with some measure of justice.”
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Murphy, the senior investigating officer, said the case demonstrated how quickly a confrontation could escalate into deadly violence. She said: “Martin was 53-years-old and had the rest of his life ahead of him. Instead, a confrontation escalated into violence, and he suffered injuries which ultimately cost him his life.
“Nothing can undo the devastating impact Martin’s death has had on his family and those who knew and loved him.” DCI Murphy thanked witnesses, local businesses and the officers involved in the investigation for helping bring those responsible before the courts.
She said the case should serve as a reminder that walking away from a confrontation could prevent devastating consequences. Naylor, Farrow and Matusiak will be sentenced at a date to be set by the court.
