THE angry father of Gary Odlum has slammed the "lenient" sentence given to his son's killer.

Laszlo Hamar was today beginning a four and a half year jail term for the manslaughter of Gary Odlum.

As reported in later editions of last night's BEN, Hamar, aged 20, of Bury Road, Breightmet, pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Mr Odlum.

Mr Odlum fell to the ground when he was hit outside Bank Street Taxis in Bolton as he enjoyed a night out to celebrate his 19th birthday.

Today Mr Odlum's angry dad Peter Odlum criticised the punishment handed out at Manchester Crown Court.

Mr Odlum said: "The sentence just isn't long enough. I don't think he'll learn his lesson when he could be out on the streets again in the next three years.

"Our family think he should have got at least seven years jail for what he did. We're angry and disgusted by this. If I knew I could have my son back in three years I might feel a bit differently but of course that can never happen."

The court heard that Hamar was full of remorse for what he had done but Judge Rhys Davies was also told that Hamar had turned and shaken hands with a friend after throwing the punch.

Laszlo Hamar threw the punch which killed Gary Odlum in March this year while he was out on probation -- having been released from prison early.

Hamar had served two years of a four year prison sentence for burglary before being allowed out on probation shortly before Christmas 1999.

Hamar also had previous convictions for assault and obstructing the police as well as dishonesty offences.

And Gary's father, Peter Odlum, has angrily criticised the prison service for allowing Hamar out so soon.

He said: "If he had not been released early, then Gary would still be alive today.

"In fact, although it is probably unlikely, if he had served the extra time he was sentenced to, then he could have grown into a better person.

"Instead I now have a son who has died, never having had the chance to grow old.

"Hamar simply goes back into prison, only in some time in the future to be re-released early all over again.

"As time passes I just feel angrier about what has happened.

"Gary had never been in trouble with the police before. This was not a fight. He was physically attacked and fell with one punch.

"It could have been anyone out there -- it was so random. It was unprovoked and all seemed to happen so suddenly. If it had been a fight Gary would have gone into it knowing the consequences, but it was nothing like that. I want as many people as possible to know about what happened, and how this man's actions has changed all our lives.

"We feel so distraught, devastated and angry.

"I just want everyone in Bolton to see what a tragedy this has been.

"And I want to warn parents to take notice -- this could have been your son or daughter."

Hamar was also ordered to serve 26 weeks in jail which were remaining from his previous sentence.