Jail with no limit for killer of soldier

Father-to-be Rob Pears died of "catastrophic" brain damage after Ben Wesley, 24, delivered the blow and his accomplice David Chadwick, 22, kicked and stamped on the victim's head during a drunken brawl involving up to 20 people.

The two men were initially arrested on suspicion of murder over the attack in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.

Wesley admitted manslaughter and Chadwick admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and another assault committed two months earlier for which he was on police bail.

Sheffield Crown Court heard Wesley had a string of cautions for similar late-night drunken assaults and had served a six-month jail term for battery.

Mr Pears' partner Kelly Denton gave birth to their daughter Mia just six days after his life support machine was switched off.

Wesley was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection and can only apply for parole after two years. Judge Roger Keen warned him: "You may well be in prison for a very long time indeed."

Prosecutor Alistair MacDonald QC said trouble started outside the Boy and Barrel pub in Mexborough just after 3am on August 2 last year after those involved, all from Mexborough, had been drinking throughout the day.

Paul Watson QC, for Wesley said he intervened when he heard a woman had been struck by Mr Pears, delivering a single, fatal punch to his victim.

Charles Garside QC, for Chadwick, said he admitted being involved but only caused minor bruises and cuts. He could not have known how serious the victim's injuries were.

Chadwick was given a sentence totalling four years and eight months.