Police Bodycam Footage Reveals Killer’s Pretence of Innocence as Young Man’s Life Slips Away
In a tragic incident captured on police bodycam footage, a killer’s act of feigning innocence unfolded as a young man’s life ebbed away. Jason Thomas was recorded asking “What assault?” as he was apprehended following a fatal attack on 22-year-old Liam Morgan-Whittle. The harrowing episode transpired in the early hours of March 25, 2023, in Llanelli, where Thomas and Mr. Morgan-Whittle had been socializing at a friend’s residence after a night out.
The altercation began when the two men started arguing over their ability to endure punches. Despite a friend’s intervention urging Thomas to stop, the 40-year-old persisted, stating, “I’ll hit you first.” Tragically, the confrontation turned fatal when Thomas unleashed two forceful punches that led to Mr. Morgan-Whittle’s demise. Thomas subsequently received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence after admitting to manslaughter. WalesOnline has secured bodycam footage from Dyfed-Powys Police, capturing Thomas’s arrest outside the Robinson Street flat.
The video commences with an officer informing Thomas of the assault allegations, to which Thomas expresses disbelief, asking, “Me?” Subsequently placed under arrest for assault, Thomas continues to profess his innocence, exclaiming, “Oh my God, I can’t believe this. What assault?” Despite being acquainted with the victim from their time as colleagues at a building firm, Thomas denies any association with Mr. Morgan-Whittle, stating, “Honest to f***ing God I can’t believe this.”
Moreover, Thomas implores the police not to damage his “expensive” watch while being handcuffed. Mr. Morgan-Whittle’s family advocated for the release of the bodycam footage, with his father, Alan Whittle, expressing the desire for people to witness Thomas’s deceitfulness. The video’s contents, portraying Thomas’s lack of remorse and attempts to conceal his actions, played a pivotal role in his eventual guilty plea, according to Mr. Whittle.
The court session unveiled the sequence of events leading to Mr. Morgan-Whittle’s tragic end. The fatal altercation occurred at a mutual friend’s flat, where Thomas, intoxicated and under the influence of cocaine, delivered two devastating blows to the victim, causing irreparable harm. Despite flagging down a nearby fire crew for assistance, Thomas withheld the truth about the incident. The family, though disappointed by the sentencing outcome, refrained from pursuing a sentence review to spare Mr. Morgan-Whittle’s sister, Shannon, from further anguish.
During the trial, heartfelt tributes were shared by Mr. Morgan-Whittle’s family, highlighting his vibrant personality and zest for life. Described as a rugby enthusiast and a jovial individual, he was celebrated for his sense of humour and unique knowledge. The family’s statements underscored the profound impact of Mr. Morgan-Whittle’s absence on their lives, with each day serving as a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable void left by his untimely demise.