Man jailed after one-punch kill outside Alcester pub

Mark Stevens, aged 30, assaulted William ‘Billy’ Carney in the car park of the Blue Boar Inn Pub in Temple Grafton in November last year.

Stevens, of no fixed abode, was seen throwing a punch at Mr Carney, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete.

He was then rushed to hospital where he later died from a bleed to the brain.

Paying tribute at the time, Mr Carney's family said: "He was a larger-than-life character whose personality would light up any room he would walk into.

“He was the most loving and committed partner, son and brother, and he was a friend to so many".

When questioned in an interview, Stevens provided a statement where he admitted assaulting the 31-year-old, but denied intending to kill him.

William ‘Billy’ Carney (Image: Warwickshire Police)

He was charged with manslaughter and pleaded guilty to the charge at a hearing in July.

Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Friday (September 22), Stevens was sentenced to six years and five months in prison – to serve a minimum of more than four years.

Detective Chief Inspector Teresa McKenna said: “Billy’s death wasn’t the result of an unfortunate event, but because of a senseless act by Stevens with no real meaning or justification.

“He may have only thrown one punch which caused the fatal injuries, but the punch was swift, unprovoked, and without warning - leaving Billy defenceless and vulnerable.

"Stevens' actions have led to untold misery for Billy’s family and friends - he turned their lives upside down and what he did will have long-lasting, devastating consequences not just for them but for himself too.

“Billy left for work that day but tragically never returned to his family, their loss and grief is infinite.

“Although we can’t bring Billy back, I hope Stevens’ sentence gives them a small sense of closure knowing he’ll spend a significant amount of time behind bars reflecting on how his actions changed everything".