THE grief-stricken family of a father-of-two who died the victim of a drunken game are appealing for his killer's sentence to be extended.

Alfred Welch, 21, of Harris Street, Darlington, was jailed for three years last month after admitting the manslaughter of mature student Paul Simpson.

The sentence, handed down by Mr Justice Jack at Teesside Crown Court, was branded a "joke" by Mr Simpson's family, who feel it provides no deterrent to others.

Welch may serve as little as 14 months for what the court heard was the result of an "extremely stupid and dangerous game".

Mr Simpson's family are urging the Attorney General to send the case to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of the sentence being too lenient - an act mirrored by lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service.

They have also written to their MP, Alan Milburn, Prime Minister Tony Blair and Home Secretary David Blunkett for support.

Welch had spent the night being driven around town, beckoning innocent passers-by to the vehicle to ask for help - then punching them to see if he could knock them down.

Mr Simpson's partner Patricia said: "I just thought it was too lenient and it was a joke. It was really no deterrent for anybody else to act in that fashion.

"I was just so shocked - I think he himself would have been expecting more."

Mr Simpson's brother, Geoff, added: "This attack was no accident and although Paul's death may not have been the intention of the perpetrator, Welch showed complete disregard through repeated reckless acts and gave no consideration for the possible consequences of his actions."

Mr Simpson, 33, had been returning to the Askrigg Street home he shared with Patricia and their two daughters when he became Welch's fourth target in the early hours of March 12.

After being punched, he fell backwards, hit his head on the kerb and died the following day from brain damage.