Killer Gets 4 Years For Mini-Cab Row Punch

An estate agent, who killed another man with a single punch outside a pub after a disagreement over a mini-cab, has been locked-up for four years.

Shaun McDermott, 44, (pic.l.) of Benhurst Avenue, Elm Park, Hornchurch was attacked while waiting for a lift from his girlfriend outside the Havering Oak pub, South Street, Romford in the early hours of February 3.

He was punched by 30 year-old Sean Boggans, (pic.r.) of Ongar Road, Brentwood, who was waiting for a mini-cab and died the next day from head injuries.

The electrician, of Benhurst Avenue, Elm Park fell heavily after the sudden blow and stuck his head on the pavement.

An investigation was launched by detectives from the Homicide & Major Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin.

DCI Sandlin said: "Shaun McDermott had been in the Wheatsheaf pub nearby with two of his sisters, while Sean Boggans had been at a private party in the Havering Oak.



"Boggans called a cab at around thirty minutes past midnight and, after it was delayed, he was waiting outside the Havering Oak with his friends.



"Meanwhile, Shaun had gone to the same location to meet his partner, Wendy Whittle, who was driving there to pick him up.



"Boggans, possibly frustrated by the wait for his taxi and in the mistaken belief that Shaun was also trying to get a cab, remonstrated with Shaun and subsequently threw a punch which caused Shaun to fall to the floor and hit his head.



"It was a wholly unnecessary, violent act which caused Shaun to sustain a fatal head injury."