The family of a father-of-five whose life was cut tragically short after he was attacked in a pub beer garden have spoken of their anger at his killer’s sentence.

Carl James, who had recently become a grandfather for the second time, was headbutted and punched before hitting his head on a table as he collapsed.

The 42-year-old suffered fatal injuries when a main artery haemorrhaged as a result of the violent attack in the Jack and Jill pub in May this year.

Curtis Tudor was sentenced to six years in custody after he admitted manslaughter when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

Carl JamesCarl James (Image: Cleveland Police)

In a statement after the hearing, Carl's family said they had received no justice for the loss of a man with a 'heart of gold'.

They said: “Carl was a much-loved son, dad, partner, brother, grandad and friend to many. Carl adored all his family had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

“It is so hard to cope with how Carl’s life has been tragically taken away from us while simply going to the pub and enjoying a drink.

“As a family, we are left with heartache and grief. We will always struggle to come to terms with our loss and we’ll never understand why someone can do something so evil.

“We can’t believe it has been six months since Carl was cruelly taken away from us. Six whole months of missing Carl and feeling sad without him around.

The Jack and Jill pub in MiddlesbroughThe Jack and Jill pub in Middlesbrough (Image: Terry Blackburn)

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“The sentence passed today is no justice for Carl or his family as in our eyes, no sentence will ever be enough and it won’t bring back our beloved Carl. We will never be the same again, we’re left completely heartbroken.”

Curtis TudorCurtis Tudor (Image: Cleveland Police)

Judge Francis Laird KC said Carl’s life had been ‘cruelly snatched away’ after he died as result of the injuries he suffered.

Superintendent Wendy Tinkler, of Cleveland Police, said: “The injuries inflicted on Carl were so severe that he sadly passed away in hospital. Tudor’s reckless actions that day have had a devastating and life-changing impact on Carl’s family.

“I’d like to thank Carl’s family for the courage and strength they have shown throughout this process. No sentence can ever bring Carl back, but I hope they can find some comfort in the fact that Tudor is now in prison where he is unable to hurt anyone else.”