Man jailed for life after birthday celebrations lead to Salford murder

A man who brutally battered his own mother’s ex-partner to death, has been jailed today at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Jack Naylor, 22, was jailed for life following the fatal attack in Salford, and ordered to serve a 16 year minimum term.

Naylor was previously found guilty after trial of murdering 44-year-old Thomas Gomm.

Lisa Moorby, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: 

“Jack Naylor carried out a brutal attack on Mr Gomm which led to his death.

“Naylor then became abusive upon arrest and subjected one of the officers to racial abuse. 

“He failed to take full responsibility for his actions, claiming that he only hit Mr Gomm in self-defence and that the victim died due to previous injuries. The Crown Prosecution Service was able to comprehensively disprove those claims at trial.

“As Naylor begins his prison sentence, I hope Thomas Gomm’s loved ones can begin to move forward with their lives knowing Thomas’ killer has been brought to justice.”

On 15 December, Jack Naylor was celebrating his birthday with his mother and her friend, Mr Gomm, at an address on Irvine Avenue in Salford.

Following several alcoholic drinks, an argument broke out leading to Naylor’s mother leaving the address around 7:40pm.

Shortly before 8pm, Naylor, who was described as being “wild eyed” and “agitated” went in search for his mother at a nearby address and the police were called.

Just after 9.20pm, Mr Gomm was found at the address on Irvine Avenue, unresponsive, in a pool of blood.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Mr Gomm could not be saved, and he died two days later.

He had extensive injuries including bruising to his head, face, neck and ribs and fractures to his jawbone and hyoid. The postmortem confirmed that Mr Gomm had died from traumatic head injuries.

Naylor made no comment in his police interview but gave a prepared statement where he claimed that Mr Gomm had injuries to his head and ribs as he had been assaulted a few days before.

On 26 June 2025, Naylor was found guilty of murder, following the trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and was sentenced at the same court on 5 September 2025.