Men jailed for manslaughter of Jason Lock

Two men have today been jailed over the death of a man in Wiveliscombe earlier this year.

Daniel Bond, 34, and Lee Conlon, 37, both of Claremont Crescent, Weston-super-Mare, had previously admitted manslaughter. Bond was sentenced to seven years and eight months’ imprisonment, while Conlon was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment.

Jason Lock, 55, died in hospital after being assaulted by both men in front of his partner Mandy at their home in Stockers Close, Wiveliscombe, on Tuesday 17 May.

The court heard that while both men punched Mr Lock, Bond delivered a blow which knocked Jason to the ground, rendering him unconscious. Mr Lock died from head injuries sustained during the incident.

Judge Hart said the pair carried out a “sustained attack” on Mr Lock, calling it “a tragedy that should never have happened”.

In a tribute issued earlier this year, Mandy described Jason (pictured above) as her “best friend and lover” who was “kind, hardworking and would do anything for anybody”. She said she was heartbroken and lost without him.

In a personal statement read to the court she said: “Jason was not fighting back, Jason was a peacemaker not a fighter. I cannot explain how it feels to have the person you love ripped away … in front of your eyes.

“Just trying to function every day feels completely unnatural. Every time I step outside of my house I am reminded of what happened as it happened right on my doorstep. It’s just so painful.”

Laura Lockyer, 32, of Wiveliscombe, appeared at Taunton Deane Magstrates’ Court on Thursday 3 November and denied charges of assault and a public order offence relating to the same incident. She was released on unconditional bail to pending a further court appearance on 27 January 2023.

This remains an active criminal case and we ask people not to speculate on social media.