Two Balby men have been jailed today (Monday 19 October) for their involvement in the death of Doncaster man Jason Gaskin.
Jason was 53 years old when he was killed in a vicious attack outside Park Social Working Men's Club in Balby on Sunday 29 October 2023. Jason was found unconscious in the early hours of the morning and despite the best efforts of emergency services he sadly died at the scene.
Officers immediately launched an investigation into Jason's death, and extensive CCTV enquiries uncovered footage of two men, Jake Wells and James Neeson, attacking Jason in the minutes before his death. Following the assault, Neeson disconnected the CCTV and hid the hard drives containing the incriminating footage in the loft space of the venue. Officers later recovered the hard drives, unearthing the truth about Jason's death.
Wells, 28 was charged with manslaughter and Neeson, 50 was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice. The pair, both from the Balby area of Doncaster, pleaded guilty to the charges at Sheffield Crown Court in July and were sentenced at the same court today. Wells was sentenced to four years and nine months imprisonment, and Neeson was sentenced to nine months imprisonment.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Adam Watkinson, from the Major Crime Unit, said: "This was a devastating attack which led to the death of a much-loved father, grandfather, and husband.
"Neeson's attempt to cover up his and Wells' involvement in Jason's death showed a total lack of remorse and accountability.
"Fortunately, officers were quick to recover the vital evidence and both men now face justice for their crimes."