Man Jailed for Killing Pub Peacemaker in Huthwaite Attack

A man has been jailed for manslaughter following a pub fight in Huthwaite. Dilon Price, 30, received a five-year and 11-month sentence today, 24 April. He killed Harley Fox, 34, who tried to break up the altercation.

Nottingham Crown Court heard Price went on the run after the assault. He did not hand himself in until three days later. Price finally pleaded guilty to manslaughter on 28 November after months of denying responsibility. He had falsely claimed he acted in self-defence.

The incident occurred at the Market Inn pub, on Main Street, Huthwaite, on Sunday 8 June 2025. Price entered the pub shortly before 9pm and initiated an argument. CCTV captured Price hitting a male opponent before they were separated.

Price followed the opponent into the beer garden. Witnesses described Price as "looking for a fight". He continued his assault on the man, pushing him, throwing punches, and headbutting him.

Others intervened, including Harley Fox, who was acting as a peacemaker. The court heard Harley Fox at no stage did anything wrong. Price pushed Harley Fox with two hands after he stood in front of him and told him, "that’s enough".

Price then punched Harley Fox in the head. This caused him to fall backwards into a picnic table and bench. He then fell to the ground, with the back of his head hitting the concrete.

Harley Fox, a qualified electrician, was rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre. He was placed on a life support machine but never regained consciousness. He tragically died on 10 June.

Price, of Back Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was arrested the following day. He handed himself in at Mansfield Police Station. When questioned, he remained silent but provided a prepared statement claiming self-defence.

Analysis of CCTV footage and witness testimony proved his version of events to be untrue. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to a second person assaulted during the incident.

Family Statements

Victim impact statements from Harley Fox’s family were included in this week’s sentencing.

His mother said: “Harley’s death has shattered our family. He was a young, healthy person and would not cause any trouble to anyone. Never again will I hear him come through the door saying, ‘I’m starving mum, what’s to eat’, and I will never feel his big strong arms giving me a squishy Harley cuddle. Harley has a close family and a beautiful daughter; he had such a bright future ahead of him. Harley should be alive, he should be able to live his life, see his family grow, be able to walk his daughter down the aisle for her wedding and experience the love and pride of becoming a grandad. I am so proud of the man my son Harley became. He was clever, funny, kind, and friendly and he had the biggest heart. He would help anyone and would always be loyal and protective to those in need. Harley was like the fourth emergency service in our family. We all knew if there was ever a problem such as a car issue or house repairs, or even just dealing with a moth, then Harley would be there to help. This has all been taken away because of one man’s stupid and aggressive actions.”

Harley Fox’s sister also provided a victim impact statement to the court. It said: “Harley was more than a brother to me, he was my best friend. He was a rare human being and the world lost something special when he died. I have no more energy or time to hate but it is because of Dilon’s stupid and aggressive actions, that a life has been lost. I would not wish what me and my family have had to go through on any person."

Harley Fox’s fiancée also provided a statement to the court. She said: “Sunday 8th June 2025 is a date that will stay with me forever. It is the day the man I loved, cherished, and shared my life with was killed in an unprovoked attack. Harley is referred to as ‘the victim’ in this case, but he was so much more than that. Harley was an honest, funny, and loving man. He was hard-working, thoughtful, and always put others before himself. He made sure our daughter and I were safe, cared for, and happy. We had a loving home, shared holidays, laughter, and plans for the future. All of this was ripped away in an instant by Dilon Price.”

Police Statement

Detective Inspector Matt Scott, who led the investigation, spoke following the sentencing.

He said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Harley, who has lost his life in such tragic circumstances. A life has been cut short following what should have been an enjoyable evening at the pub. The behaviour displayed by Dilon Price was totally unacceptable and his actions have led to untold misery for Harvey’s family and friends. He turned their lives upside down and although no length of sentence will ever fully repair the huge loss they have suffered, I hope today's sentence goes some way towards bringing closure to what has been, and continues to be, an extremely difficult time for them. It took many months of court hearings for Dilon to finally plead guilty. Had he been remorseful, he would have admitted his actions a lot sooner. This was a complex investigation with a lot of moving parts but ultimately the family will hopefully have some closure. Thankfully, incidents of this nature are rare, but I'd like to reassure the public that we'll always prioritise bringing offenders to justice and do everything we can to protect our communities from harm.”

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