Warrington man jailed for manslaughter

A WARRINGTON man has been jailed for four years for the manslaughter of a man he punched just once to the mouth.
John Edward Lowe, aged 46, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court today after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of David Brown, 33, outside Chevvies public house in Manchester Road.
The court was told that Lowe (right), from Marsh House Lane, was standing outside the pub, smoking a cigarette on August 9 when Mr Brown walked past, just before 5pm, with his brothers and friends.
Mr Brown stopped to talk to Lowe and there was some conversation before Lowe punched him once, in the mouth, with considerable force.
It was an unprovoked attack and Mr Brown fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement.
Lowe calmly walked back into the pub, finished his drink and then left.
Mr Brown was left, seriously injured on the pavement, close to a busy road junction.
Friends and bar staff went to his assistance and paramedics were called to the scene.
Mr Brown (left) was taken to Aintree Hospital with a serious head injury. He had sustained a bleed on the brain and was transferred to the specialist Walton Hospital in a critical condition.
He remained on a life support machine for two days but died later.
Police later arrested Lowe and he was subsequently remanded in custody.
DI Steve Jones, from Cheshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “David Brown and John Lowe were known to each other and came from the same close knit community where they both have family ties.
“On the afternoon in question they had a chance meeting and the conflict which resulted in David’s tragic death was initiated by Lowe. The dispute Lowe had with David Brown was trivial in nature and the attack upon him was unprovoked by David who had no opportunity to defend himself.
“David had his whole life ahead of him. He was well-known and liked within the community – this was evident at his funeral, which was attended by a large number of people.
“His family have been left without a son, brother and father. I hope that Lowe’s time in prison will allow him to consider the consequences of his actions on that night.
“David’s family were at his bedside when he died and have been left severely traumatised by his death. David’s mum has described an ‘unbearable pain in her heart’ following the death of her son.
“Our thoughts remain with them. I know they are struggling to come to terms with what has happened and I hope that the successful conclusion of this case will help to bring about a degree of closure for David’s family – and for all those who knew him and have been affected by his death.
“Violent crime of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone who resorts to violence will end up paying the price for their actions.”