A MAN has been jailed after a one-punch attack led to the death of a 57-year-old dad in Leigh.
Paul Brierley, 44, of Hendon Street, Leigh, has been jailed for six years and eight months for the manslaughter of 57-year-old Paul Ologbose from Leigh.
Brierley pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court yesterday Wednesday, July 13.
Police were called shortly before 2am on Sunday, January 23 2022, to a report of an assault in the area outside Higher Fold Sports and Social Club, Kensington Drive.
Paul, known as Bushy, had suffered a serious head injury after being punched by Brierley in an unprovoked attack and was taken to hospital where he died later that same day.
Speaking on the sentencing result, Senior Investigating Officer, Phil Reade, said: “Once again our condolences first and foremost go to the family and friends of Paul who is sadly no longer with us.
“I hope that this sentencing provides some comfort to Paul’s family. However, this will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives and this incident should serve as a stark reminder at how these mindless, unnecessary acts of violence can have utterly tragic consequences."
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On remembering their loved one, Paul’s family said: “Although no length of time served will ever be enough to replace what we've lost, we just wanted justice for our dad, who was taken far too soon.
“This tragedy has broken us as a family, and we will always have a huge piece of us missing. Always loved forever missed.
“We would like to thank everyone who has reached out and offered their support during this difficult time."
In a written tribute issued in the weeks after the tragedy, Paul's family said: "Our beautiful dad, Paul, passed away surrounded by his four children, brother and family on January 23.
"He was taken from us too soon, and in the worst way possible, which as a family, we will never get our heads around.
"Our dad was a family man who loved all his children and grandchildren very much, and made a big impact on so many people's lives.
"Everybody loved him for who he was, a loving caring person who would help anyone in need.
"Our dad was the go-to person for anything to do with engines, he could fix anything! He loved his job, with window cleaning meaning everything to him.
"Our dad had his business for 31 years and loved every single day of it. He would make time for all his customers, even if it was because he seen a car he liked in their garden, or to ask for a brew with three sugars.
"Our dad was one in a million. We hope you are dancing away to your Bob Marley music and wearing your Bob Marley Hat which you never took off. Your two grandchildren love you so much.
"Rest easy Dad and Grandad Bushy, we all love and miss you so much."
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