A man who killed a father with a single punch outside a Wetherspoon pub in Ebbw Vale has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. Kyle O'Callaghan, 30, admitted manslaughter after attacking Marcus Carpenter, 37, in an alley near the Picture House pub on February 20.
Newport Crown Court heard that O'Callaghan felt 'disrespected' by Carpenter and confronted him after hearing that Carpenter had been saying things about him. Both men were at the pub with separate groups of friends. O'Callaghan asked Carpenter to come outside, and Carpenter complied without showing any hostility.
Once outside, O'Callaghan struck Carpenter in the face. Despite Carpenter not being aggressive, O'Callaghan continued to behave in an overbearing and intimidating manner. CCTV footage showed the two men speaking for several minutes before O'Callaghan delivered a second, fatal blow while Carpenter's arms were at his sides. Carpenter collapsed and later died in hospital from severe head injuries.
After the attack, O'Callaghan attempted to drag Carpenter's body and slapped him before fleeing. He later claimed to police that he acted in self-defense, but Judge Daniel Williams rejected this, calling his actions 'selfish' and 'needless.'
Judge Williams told O'Callaghan: 'Your selfishness seems limitless. You claimed at first to be acting in self defense – it was, of course, nothing of the sort. Your actions have caused unimaginable grief, loss and sadness.'
In a tribute, Carpenter's family described him as a 'beloved son, partner and dad' with 'the kindest of hearts.' They said his passing has left a massive hole in the lives of everyone close to him.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Blyth praised the victim's family for their strength and dignity, and thanked the local community for providing vital evidence. He said that while the sentencing cannot bring Carpenter back, he hopes it provides some measure of justice.
O'Callaghan was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for manslaughter.
