A man who killed a father outside a Wetherspoons by punching him was silent and emotionless as he was sentenced for his crime. . Marcus Carpenter, 37, died in hospital four days after he was punched outside the Ebbw Vale pub that was packed with drinkers at the time.
Kyle O’Callaghan, 30, fled the scene and a £10,000 Crimestoppers appeal was launched for information.
He was later arrested and charged with manslaughter over Marcus’ death. He appeared at Newport Crown Court on Friday, March 27, where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
At a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday, the court heard how Mr Carpenter was with friends at the Picture House pub on Friday, February 20 when he was approached by O’Callaghan.
O’Callaghan asked his soon-to-be victim who he was before asking him to step outside, the court was told.
Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins then went on to tell the court that one of Mr Carpenter’s friends said there didn’t seem to be any bad feeling between the two at that point.
Marcus Lee Carpenter (Image: Gwent Police)
However, soon after O’Callaghan returned to the pub to say Mr Carpenter was not moving.
The court heard that when Mr Carpenter’s friend confronted the defendant and asked him what he had done, O’Callaghan fled the area.
Footage was played to the court showing the moment O’Callaghan delivered two blows to his victim.
O’Callaghan, of no fixed abode, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter over Marcus’ death.
At Newport Crown Court on March 27, Peter Donnison, defending, said: “The defendant accepts his conduct and has pleaded guilty to that.”
Judge Daniel Williams said CCTV of the attack showed O’Callaghan had punched Marcus and caused his death.
On Friday, May 15, O’Callaghan was sentenced to 10 years and six months imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years.
The defendant was silent and emotionless as he was led down to the cells.
In a tribute, at the time of his death, Marcus’s family said he was a “beloved son, partner and dad.”
They added: “Marcus was one of a kind with the kindest of hearts who would help anyone out he could.
“His passing has left a massive hole in the lives of everyone close to him. Please give the family time to grieve at this heartbreaking time.”
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