Two men have been sentenced for their role in a serious assault which resulted in a new father being killed after being punched.

The incident claimed the life of 32-year-old Alan Barefoot from South Kilvington near Thirsk.

At around 9.45pm on Saturday October 16 last year, Mr Barefoot was socialising in the Royal Pub on Thirsk Market Place.

He was enjoying his first night out since the recent birth of his daughter, he was asked to leave the pub and an altercation followed that spilled onto the streets.

During the altercation, 25-year-old Thomas Cassey of Church Lane, Boroughbridge, headbutted Alan knocking him to the floor and quickly walked away.,

The Northern Echo: Benjamin Calvert Picture: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICEBenjamin Calvert Picture: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE (Image: Picture: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)

Mr Barefoot got to his feet and was described by witnesses as “dazed.”

22-year-old Benjamin Calvert was seen walking up to Alan and punched him hard in the side of the head, knocking him to the floor and causing him to bang his head on the pavement.

Witnesses rushed to Alan’s aid and put him in the recovery position before calling the emergency services.

He was transported to hospital with serious head injuries but never regained consciousness and very sadly died on Sunday 24 October 2021.

Calvert, of Kings Gardens in Sowerby near Thirsk was sentenced for five years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Cressy received a six months suspended sentence after pleading guilty to affray.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Steve Menzies, from the North Yorkshire Police Major Investigations Team, said it was an incredibly sad case.

He added: “This is an incredibly sad case where a young man has lost his life as a result of a minor argument fuelled by alcohol, and where people needlessly got themselves involved, escalating the situation.

“Both Cressey and Calvert could have just walked away from the situation, but instead they chose to get involved in the altercation.

“In interview, Calvert claimed he was so intoxicated he did not remember assaulting Alan Barefoot, but he was seen on CCTV fleeing the scene and the area immediately after the attack.

The Northern Echo: Alan Barefoot Picture: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICEAlan Barefoot Picture: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE

“He was arrested hours later, after he had disposed of the clothes he’d been wearing when he attacked Alan.

“The investigation into this incident has been a complex one and we would like to thank everyone who came forward to provide information which has undoubtedly helped us to bring both offenders to justice.

“Our thoughts are with all of Alan’s family who will be grieving his loss for the rest of their lives.”

Alan’s partner Charlotte, said: “It has been extremely hard dealing with the whole experience. All of our daughter’s firsts will be missed by Bezzy, her first birthday was definitely the hardest and this will be the same for Bezzy’s other children.

"The future is going to be very different for us both and we will have to learn how to cope with our new future.

"I would just like to say a massive thank you to the investigation team, victim support and the family liaison officers for all their hard work and support over the last year.”

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