Man jailed for three years after young father killed with one punch in pub brawl

Adam Lynn, from Kingstanding Road, was put behind bars today for killing father Jonathan Woodhall during a fight in the beer garden of Great Barr pub the Deer's Leap on Good Friday.

Fellow drinkers at the Queslett Road bar described how Mr Woodhall tried separating his cousin and another man as they traded punches ? but was knocked out cold by Lynn as he stepped in.

The 27-year-old victim from Tamworth suffered a serious brain injury and died the following day in hospital.

Detectives viewed CCTV footage of the fight and identified 24-year-old Lynn as responsible for delivering the fatal blow. He was arrested the following evening from an address in Pheasey's Rippingille Road.

He refused to answer questions during an interview, but at Birmingham Crown Court admitted manslaughter and today was handed three years in prison.

Mr Woodhall's family today described him as 'happy, loyal and lovable'.

"He was a fantastic dad who doted on his son."

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ian Wilkins, said: "This is a tragic case where a dispute between two groups on a night out has changed the lives of two men forever ? one has died and the other has been jailed as a convicted killer.

"Anyone who throws a punch must understand that momentary loss of self-control can have a devastating, long-term impact for both themselves and their victim. There can be no excuses and, like Lynn, they must face the consequences."

The fight broke out at around 7.30pm on Good Friday between two men with a history of bad blood between them.

Minutes later Mr Woodhall was found slumped, motionless across a bench as onlookers put him in the recovery position and tried administering first aid.

Witnesses described the two main aggressors continuing to fight whilst the victim lay fatally injured.

One said they overheard Lynn saying: "It's really serious, he's really hurt and (words to the effect of) I've killed him".

Two other men, aged 24 and 27, both from Kingstanding, were also charged with public order offences in relation to the disorder and are scheduled to stand trial on August 15 at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

Campaign lead Chief Inspector Sean Russell, said: "It happens all too often: fun nights out turning sour because people's judgement is clouded by alcohol and they end up getting embroiled in situations they'd normally avoid.

"When drinking, fights can be sparked by the most insignificant things like a petty argument, a spilt drink or stray glance. It's no excuse to say it was 'the alcohol talking' and anyone involved in violence can expect to spend at least one night in a police cell ? and possibly much longer in a prison cell."