Man denies murder charge over 2006 attack that killed victim 15 years later
A trial has opened at the Old Bailey against a man accused of murder after a victim of a 2006 assault died during an epileptic seizure caused by his injuries more than 15 years later. The defendant denies the charge.
A trial has begun at London's Old Bailey concerning a violent assault carried out in 2006, more than 15 years before the victim's eventual death.
In September 2006, 16-year-old Daniel Allright was attacked in Lewisham, south-east London, by a group who struck him with a piece of wood, an advertising board and a bicycle chain. The assault left him with severe brain injuries, including significant bleeding around the brain and increased pressure inside his skull, requiring a craniotomy.
Long-term consequences
Following the attack, Allright began suffering epileptic seizures, the first occurring in March 2007, after which he was prescribed medication. In the months before his death his seizures grew more severe. In March 2022, aged 31, he died at home during one such seizure.
Jordan Burton, now 33 and aged 14 at the time of the attack, has been charged in connection with the death. Burton already admitted violent disorder and causing grievous bodily harm back in 2008, but denies murder. The jury may also consider an alternative charge of manslaughter.
Prosecutors told the court Burton took part in a joint attack, striking Allright's head with weapons capable of causing serious harm, and is therefore culpable either for directly causing the fatal injuries or for encouraging others involved.
According to Allright's own account, the attack began when a group of youths tried to rob him and his friends while they were out on bicycles. Two other young attackers previously pleaded guilty to related offences. Burton was arrested in 2024 after police forced entry to his home, and was formally charged with murder in October 2025. The trial continues.
