A MAN has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal brawl outside a pub in Temple Grafton.
Mark Stevens, of no fixed abode, was drinking at the Blue Boar Inn on November 24 last year when he is understood to have punched William ‘Billy’ Carney.
The two men went out into the car park. Stevens was seen to take hold of Mr Carney with one hand and then punch him with his other hand causing Mr Carney to fall and hit his head on the concrete.
The 31-year-old was taken to hospital where he later died from a bleed to the brain.
An investigation began with officers quickly identifying Stevens as the man who had assaulted Mr Carney.
When questioned by officers after his arrest, he initially provided a statement admitting the assault to Mr Carney.
He was subsequently charged with manslaughter and on Friday (July 28) he pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court.
He is set to be sentenced at the same court on September 22.
Detective Chief Inspector Teresa McKenna said: “Mark Stevens’s actions have had devastating consequences.
“William’s death in such tragic circumstances has caused untold misery and resulted in many lives being turned upside down.
“Thankfully, incidents of this nature in our communities are rare and although we can’t bring William back, I hope Stevens’ conviction will give a sense of closure to his family and friends after an unbearably difficult time.”
