Man killed ‘selfless’ stranger with one punch in ‘cowardly attack’

The man followed two strangers, killing one of them with one punch

A man followed two strangers before killing a “beloved” father, brother, and friend with a single punch. Ashley McMillan, 32, punched John McGarry, 63, knocking him to the ground in Broadway, Peterborough in the early hours of August 30, 2025.

Mr McGarry, of Broom Close, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, was found on the ground by security staff who flagged down police officers on patrol at just after 2.30am. He was taken to hospital with a serious head injury but never regained consciousness. He later died on December 12.

A statement released on behalf of the children, siblings, and wider family of Mr McGarry described him as a “beloved” father, brother, and friend whose “final act was one of extraordinary selfless courage”.

Police inquiries later revealed McMillan punched another man. In response to this, Mr McGarry could be seen on CCTV trying to defend the stranger by throwing his arm out before walking away.

Although Mr McGarry walked away, McMillan followed him and punched him once to the head – knocking him to the ground. McMillan, of Oundle Road, Peterborough, left the scene.

Several members of the public rushed over to help Mr McGarry. McMillan was arrested at his home later that day and was initially charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent. This was upgraded to a charge of murder after Mr McGarry died.

McMillan pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter at Peterborough Crown Court on June 25, according to Cambridgeshire Police. The 32-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, July 17.

The statement by Mr McGarry’s family reads in full: “Today’s sentence brings the criminal proceedings to an end, but it does not bring an end to our grief. Nothing can replace our beloved father, brother, friend John McGarry.

“John’s final act was one of extraordinary selfless courage. He intervened to stop Ashley MacMillan assaulting another person and, believing the incident had ended, continued on his way. Instead, MacMillan waited before deliberately launching a cowardly attack from behind, delivering a punch to which John had no opportunity to defend himself.

“That single, spiteful act robbed his children of their father, our family of a beloved brother and our community of a man who dedicated his life to standing up for others.”

They continued: “While Ashley MacMillan’s guilty plea to manslaughter has brought a degree of accountability, our family will always feel that the sentence cannot truly reflect the enormity of what was taken from us. After fighting for his life for three months, John died from his injuries.

“We thank everyone who has supported us, especially the staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for their tireless care and compassion, and all those involved in securing today’s conviction.

“John will be remembered not for the violence that took his life, but for the courage, kindness, and selflessness with which he lived. He stood up for someone else when it mattered most. That is the legacy he leaves behind.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood, of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “While McMillan may not have intended to kill John McGarry, the consequences of his actions were devastating. Following a confrontation in Broadway, he chose to continue pursuing Mr McGarry and ultimately delivered the fatal punch.

“John was found by security staff and taken to hospital, where he received specialist treatment for more than three months. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he died on 12 December surrounded by those who loved him.

“This was a senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a much-loved relative and left those closest to him facing an unimaginable loss. Our thoughts remain with John’s family and friends, who have shown great dignity and strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that a single punch can have. Where Mr McGarry was trying to do the right thing in helping a stranger this has resulted in him losing his life and a family being left to grieve.”