An Oldham father-of-two who killed a 60-year-old man during a drunken argument has been jailed. 

Jamie Kennedy, of Garden Terrace, Royton, was cleared of a murder charge over the death of Robert Payne following a week-long trial in April. 

The 24-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the attack, in which he repeatedly punched Mr Payne, on October 15 last year in Derker and was sentenced today (August 5).

Kennedy said during the trial he was "very sorry" to Mr Payne's family and friends and that he "didn't deserve any of it".

Mr Payne was punched in the face by Kennedy, falling to the floor and hitting his head on the pavement.

Once he was on the floor and unconscious, Kennedy leaned over him and punched him at least three more times in the head.

Emergency services attended and he was taken to Salford Royal Hospital with critical injuries, dying three days later.

Kennedy was jailed at Manchester Crown Court for four years and eight months.

Born in Birmingham, Mr Payne, who went by the name Bob, was a landscape gardener and lived with his partner at the time of his death.

Bouquets of flowers and two cans of Fosters beer were left outside an address on Frances Street following the incident.

Amanda Hilton, partner of Robert Payne said in her Victim Impact Statement: "I can’t imagine my life without Bob. I can’t see what my future will look like. I just want Bob back. I want to turn back time and go back to when Bob was here with me."

Senior Investigating Officer Phil Reade from GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said: “This was a devastating case where an argument fuelled through alcohol got out of hand and a man lost his life.

“Bob was knocked unconscious after one punch but Kennedy callously continued to assault him, causing him to suffer critical injuries that sadly resulted in his death some three days later.

“I hope today’s sentence sends a message that violence is never acceptable and gives Kennedy the time he needs to reflect on how his needless actions lead to someone losing their life.”

Lauren Costello, Senior District Crown Prosecutor for North West CPS said: "Robert Payne tragically lost his life after he was punched to the floor by Jamie Kennedy. He continued this brutal attack with multiple punches whilst Robert was unconscious on the floor.

"Though nothing can make up for the loss of Robert, I hope his loved ones can take some comfort in knowing that Jamie Kennedy has been brought to justice for his violent actions. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

"The CPS is committed to securing justice for those who partake in such needless violence."

Read more from the trial