Key Highlights:
- James suffered a fractured skull and brain damage after being punched in the back of the head during a day trip to York.
- Mckenzie Dicicco was jailed for six years and eight months after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
- James’ friends and family described the lasting impact of his death on the people who knew him.
Friends remember James after fatal attack during York day trip
Barton Town defender Jack Bulless, who had also played alongside James at Bridlington Town, said he was expected to join the group on the day trip to York but withdrew because he was ill.
“It was a numb feeling. You don’t believe something like that could happen to one of your mates,” Barton Town defender Jack Bulless says.
Andy Norfolk, a long-time friend and team-mate of James, did make the trip with James and their friends. He recalled that the group had travelled to watch the Manchester derby in bars before returning to the railway station.
“I remember the Manchester derby being on television in the bars we visited,” says Norfolk.
“It was an annual Christmas get-together, a day trip, nothing too heavy. We arrived back at the station to go home early.”
“I ended up getting a taxi back to Hull as the train was not for another hour. I remember Hitchy saying he was going to get some food.”
That was the last time Norfolk saw his friend.
Leeds Crown Court hears how James suffered fatal injuries
Leeds Crown Court heard that James suffered a fractured skull and brain damage after falling to the floor when he was punched on the right side of the back of his head.
April, James’ partner, said she initially believed he had suffered concussion and would only need a short stay in hospital. She had just put Freddie to bed when she received the call telling her that James had been hit and was unconscious.
Recalling that day, April says: “I’d just put Freddie to bed when I got a call to say James had been hit, that he was unconscious, and was on his way to hospital.”
“At that point I thought he had concussion and I needed to pack a bag because he was only going to be in for a day or two.”
“When I got to the hospital they explained that he needed to be transferred to the intensive care unit at Hull Royal Infirmary. He was on a life support machine until he lost the battle.”
Mckenzie Dicicco jailed for manslaughter
Mckenzie Dicicco, who was 22 at the time, was jailed for six years and eight months in July 2025 after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Judge Guy Kearl described the incident as a “cowardly, deliberate and vicious attack on a man who had no chance to defend or brace himself”.
After the verdict, April described the impact of losing James and said she felt isolated following his death.
Speaking after the verdict, April described being “lost and alone as the love of my life was so selfishly taken from me”.
James’ father describes life after his death
James’ father, Chris, said his life had changed permanently as a result of what he called “one senseless act”. Chris had taken James to Elland Road to watch David O’Leary’s Leeds team in the late 1990s.
“I don’t live any more – I exist,” he says.
“I try and be happy, I try and do things and I put a brave face on. But it’ll never be the same again for me.”
Why This Matters
The case highlights the lasting effects of a fatal assault on the victim’s family, friends and wider football community. James’ friends remembered an ordinary Christmas day trip that ended with a life-changing attack, while the court proceedings resulted in Mckenzie Dicicco’s manslaughter conviction and prison sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to James?
James suffered a fractured skull and brain damage after being punched on the right side of the back of his head and falling to the floor. He was later transferred to intensive care at Hull Royal Infirmary and placed on life support.
Who was jailed over James’ death?
Mckenzie Dicicco was jailed for six years and eight months in July 2025 after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
What was James’ connection to football?
James played football with Barton Town defender Jack Bulless and Andy Norfolk, and he had also played at Bridlington Town. His father, Chris, took him to Elland Road to watch David O’Leary’s Leeds team in the late 1990s.
