Man jailed for killing fellow non-league footballer with single punch to the head in unprovoked attack

Mckenzie Dicicco, 22, of Belgravia Gardens in Middlesbrough pleaded guilty to manslaughter on June 6 and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on July 16. He will now be serving time behind bars.

His victim, 32-year-old James Hitchcock from Cottingham in East Yorkshire, was struck by a single punch in an unprovoked attack at York Station during a night out with friends on December 15, 2024.

Hitchcock, who played for Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Barton Town FC, died in hospital as a result of the injuries that he suffered. His family said after appearing in court that Mr Hitchcock "was, and is still, loved by many, and we know that his memory will live on through our son, family and friends, the football community, and in our hearts".

Mr Hitchcock had been in York to watch a football match with friends. Judge Guy Kearl said of Dicicco’s actions: “It was a cowardly, deliberate and vicious attack on a man who had no chance to defend or brace himself. James was the life and soul of everything he did, he brightened up the room and was calm and gentle.”

Mr Hitchcock made more than 250 appearances as a goalkeeper for Bridlington Town before moving to Barton Town FC, with his former club left “devastated” by his untimely death. Diccio was also a non-league footballer who spent time with Thornaby, Northallerton and Pickering.