Merseyside Police can confirm that 63-year-old Richard Eveleigh has today, Tuesday, 4 October, been sentenced to 28 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to the manslaughter of 60-year-old Paul Lightowler in Liverpool city centre.
At about 10pm on Wednesday, 18 May patrols were called to Gradwell Street following reports a man had been assaulted.
Emergency services attended and found Mr Lightowler unconscious with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital where he died on 27 May.
Richard Eveleigh, of Woodlands Drive in Barnston, Wirral was arrested and subsequently charged with manslaughter when Mr Lightowler died.
On 22 September 2016 Eveleigh appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Detective Sergeant Phil Atkinson on said: “There are no winners in a case such as this. Eveleigh had been friends with the victim for some 45 years, but following an argument he punched Mr Lightowler once to the head. Tragically, he hit the ground and suffered injuries which proved fatal.
“This case goes to show that one punch can kill, and people who are intent on violence should think about the very serious consequences of their actions before raising a fist. There is no place in our communities for people who commit such violent crimes.
“Eveleigh does not need reminding of the enormity of what he has done and the pain and heartache he has caused Richard’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with them today.
“I would like to thank the investigation team and the Crown Prosecution Service for their professionalism and commitment throughout this investigation and their hard work in bringing this case to court.”