Two Punch Killer Gets Jail Time; Mum Says He Filled the Room

Liam Morgan-Whittle’s family spoke in court. They expressed deep sorrow over his death. Jason Thomas was also in court. He received two and a half years for manslaughter. Liam was only 22 years old.

The attack occurred early on March 25, 2023, in Llanelli. Thomas and Liam were at a friend’s when they argued about withstanding punches. A friend intervened, telling Thomas to stop.

Thomas responded, “I’ll hit you first.” Liam retorted, “Go on then.” Thomas then punched Liam twice, and these punches caused fatal injuries.

Liam’s mother, Claire Whittle, cried in court, stating that Liam will always be her son. She said words cannot describe their pain, and they will never heal from their loss. She added that no mother should have to bury her child.

Liam was 22 with dreams that are now gone. He was her first and only son. She taught him to ride a bike and read him books. He played rugby as a teen and loved jokes. He had also recently started a new job.

He filled a room with his presence, and Claire misses his funny faces and random facts. She no longer enjoys her job and fears seeing Thomas. She told him he took Liam away, but Thomas showed no emotion.

Liam’s father, Alan Whittle, also spoke. Their memories are now intertwined with grief, and that day will always be the worst for them. Seeing Liam and carrying his coffin haunts him.

He has seen his family fall apart and they cannot sleep. His daughter is detaching, and Alan feels helpless to fix their pain. Losing Liam shattered their world, and every moment feels heavy.

709 days have slowly passed. Time stands still, yet it moves on. They hold onto cherished memories of Liam, every smile they shared, knowing they will never make more.

Alan remembers fishing with Liam. He took him to rugby in the rain. He would give anything to go back.

Liam’s sister, Shannon, spoke as well and is nearing Liam’s age at his death, which deeply breaks her heart. She never imagined her dad would be so broken, and he can’t fix their grief.

Shannon believes Liam’s spirit lives on, and she feels his presence daily, believing he sends her signals to confirm he is okay.

Liam’s grandmother, Nestor Herbert, shared a statement: Liam was their first grandchild and their only grandson. He was a significant part of their small family, and they saw or heard from him daily.

Their loss is profound.

Their lives irrevocably changed on March 25, 2023. They navigate life as though walking through shifting sand, and they avoid the area where Liam died because the pain is too intense.

Liam was easygoing, never jealous, and always praised others. He tried to diffuse arguments with jokes. He dealt with mental health struggles, but the family said that he was doing well.

They struggle to understand that night, given that Liam hated conflict. The grief feels overpowering.

She visits Liam’s grave and she imagines him there.

Thomas admitted to manslaughter. He had briefly worked with Liam.

The judge described his actions as gross stupidity.