Man sentenced after pleading guilty to manslaughter of Corsham man

Sixty-one-year-old Derek George Gould from Westwood Road, Corsham has today been sentenced to two years imprisonment for the manslaughter of Michael Walsh following an incident in the town in March this year, 2011.

Detective Inspector Guy Turner from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) said: "Our first thoughts and sympathies are with the family of Michael Walsh and we hope that today's result will help to bring them some closure and give them some peace of mind that justice has been done."

Shortly after 6:45pm on Sunday, 6th March 2011, Wiltshire Police received information from Ambulance control that they were attending reports of an unconscious man at the Rudloe Centre in Corsham.

Police and ambulance attended and local man Michael Walsh, 57, from Methuen Way, was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol with head injuries. Unfortunately he died a short time later.

Following enquiries made at the scene a sixty-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was later bailed pending further enquiries.

On Friday 15th July 2011, Derek George Gould from Westwood Road, Corsham, was charged with the manslaughter of Michael Walsh. On Tuesday 23rd August Mr Gould appeared at Bristol Crown Court for a preliminary hearing where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

He appeared back at Bristol Crown Court today, Wednesday 26th October 2011, for sentencing.

Detective Inspector Turner continued: "A dedicated team of officers worked tirelessly on the case, conducting a thorough and professional investigation which presented all available evidence to the court.

"The verdict today reinforces how easy it is for any violence to lead to the death of someone and the serious and tragic implications that can follow.

"Wiltshire Police working with Avon & Somerset Police in our joint major crime collaboration is dedicated in continuing in its efforts to prevent and reduce violent crimes. The joined up approach to investigating major crime through the Brunel project ensures the most effective use of specialist resources between our forces  to investigate these crimes when they do happen. 

"I would like to thank all of the investigation team and the community of Corsham for the support and assistance they have given in this case."