Forest of Dean man jailed for manslaughter after wanting to ‘scare off his attackers’ 

A Forest of Dean man has been jailed for manslaughter after killing a 20-year-old man. 

Neil Woodley, aged 50 and of Blakes Way in Coleford, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 20-year-old Luke Wasley during a hearing at Bristol Crown Court last October. He was sentenced on Thursday 16 January. 

The court heard Luke Wasley had been with friends Jack Edmunds and Curt Aston on the evening of 13 June 2023 at a flat in St John Street, Coleford.

The trio had seen Woodley walk past the house and started to follow him and shout at him.

When they reached Staunton Road, Mr Edmunds ran up behind Woodley and hit him on the back of the head.

Woodley turned around and pulled out a knife he was carrying, causing the men to back away before returning to the flat. 

One of the men was heard shouting at Woodley: “Wait until I see you again.”

A short time later, the trio left the flat and found Woodley walking on Staunton Road. They chased him down Albert Road and into Oakfields.

The court was told Woodley pulled out his phone to call the police, but it was knocked from his hands by Mr Edmunds, who then ripped the chains from around Woodley’s neck.

Woodley was then repeatedly punched to the face before pulling out his knife and stabbing Mr Wasley in his arm and stomach.

Emergency services were called but Mr Wasley died from his injuries a short time later.

Woodley had previously been on trial for murder in June 2024, but the jury was discharged after the judge accepted that Mr Edmonds and Mr Aston - who had been charged with causing violent disorder - had no case to answer.

A retrial was ordered for January 2025, but Woodley indicated that he would plead guilty to the charge of manslaughter, which was accepted by the Crown. 

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed item in a public place.

The court heard that Woodley was fearful of being attacked after being left with a drugs debt, and was carrying the knife to defend himself. 

He claimed that he did not mean to harm anybody but wanted to “scare off his attackers” by showing he was armed.

In sentencing Woodley, His Honour Judge Jonathan Swift said: “Your decision to carry a knife on that evening was a fateful one.

“You say that you stabbed out at Mr Wasley to defend yourself. All this shows is that if, during a fight, one person stabs at any other, there is no way of controlling where that knife will land.”

Woodley was sentenced to nine years in prison for the manslaughter of Mr Wasley, and 16 months for possession of a bladed item in a public place.

Speaking after the trial, Luke’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “Luke was a much-loved son, big brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. His loss is still being felt 19 months later and one that all who loved and knew him will never get over or come to terms with.

“He was a happy 20-year-old living his best life, he had a beautiful smile, infectious laugh, a glint in his eye, and a very kind heart.

“Luke is missed every second of every day and nothing will ever be enough to make up for his loss. We have to learn to live without him every day, which most days is unbearable as it is a reminder of the life he never got to live.

“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all that assisted and were there with Luke in the early hours of Wednesday 14 June 2023. Also, a big thank you to all of the Gloucestershire Constabulary team, the CPS and Counsel who worked on Luke's case and have supported us throughout.”