Professional boxer who broke man's ribs in horrific Blackpool attack found guilty of manslaughter
A professional boxer has been found guilty manslaughter after a man died following an attack in Blackpool.
Mali Wright, 30 originally from Leeds, assaulted Daniel Allsop, 38, on Bethesda Road at around 4.30pm on October 2, 2023.
Mr Allsop had walked to Bethesda Road with the intention of buying drugs.
However, when he arrived Wright punched him, breaking his ribs and rupturing his spleen before chasing him away.
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Mr Allsop collapsed in the doorway of a nearby McDonald's restaurant a short time later and was taken to hospital.
He died two days later as a result of his injuries.
A murder investigation was launched and Wright was arrested in Blackpool four days later on October 6, 2023.
Officers searched his car and home and found a large quantity of crack cocaine with an approximate street value of over £2,500.
They also found more than £6,800 in cash and two phones containing evidence of the sale of heroin and crack cocaine.
As he was being walked through the police station, Wright discarded 24 individual wraps of crack cocaine on the floor.
He chose not to answer any questions when he was interviewed by the police under caution.
Wright was found guilty of Daniel Allsop’s manslaughter following a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court on Friday (August 9).
He was also found guilty of possessing and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possessing criminal property (cash).
He will be sentenced on September 10.
Laura Walmsley, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Outside the confines and controls of the boxing ring Mali Wright used his fists as weapons to inflict what proved to be fatal injuries. Daniel Allsop stood no chance to defend himself against such unprovoked and powerful blows.
“After considering the evidence we presented to the jury, including CCTV on the day of the attack and telephone evidence of Wright supplying drugs, they have today found him guilty of causing Mr Allsop’s death and all the drug offences he faced.
"We are committed to working with the police to bring to justice those who partake in such needless violence and those who seek to exploit and profit from the illegal drugs trade.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Allsop’s loved ones at this difficult time. We hope that Wright’s conviction today brings some measure of comfort to them."
Det Chief Insp Jill Riley, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, added: “My thoughts and sympathies remain with Daniel’s family at this incredibly upsetting and difficult time. They have lost a dad, son and brother, and have not been able to truly grieve for their loss.
“Wright, a former boxer, fatally injured Daniel in a serious and unprovoked attack. His actions that day showed a shocking level of violence and brutality.
“We are pleased with today’s verdict and would like to thank the jury for their careful consideration.
“Nothing will bring Daniel back to his family, but we hope today offers them some closure and our thoughts remain with them.”