A BOLTON man who battered his uncle to death after a heavy drinking spree was today starting a three year jail sentence.

Andrew Hindle, aged 22, of Plodder Lane, Farnworth, killed his uncle after suspecting he had homosexually attacked him, a court was told.

Hindle denied murder but admitted manslaughter by provocation.

Alan Rushton, aged 51, died in January, nine days after the attack.

Hindle was jailed at Manchester Crown Court.

Judge Sir Rhys Davies QC said: "This was an attack of sustained and prolonged ferocity on your uncle with whom you had a good relationship.

"You were under the influence of drink and behaved in an irrational manner, suspecting he had assaulted you."

Mr David Fish QC, defending, said Hindle deeply regretted what was an out-of-character offence against his mother's brother.

He told the court: "The uncle was alcoholic and homosexual, but, over the years, Hindle got on well with him.

"There had never been any inappropriate advances or suggestions made to him, but, on the day of the offence, matters took a different turn."

Hindle had been drinking and, in the afternoon, went to his uncle's home. They had more drink and Hindle went out to top-up supplies.

Hindle became ill and passed out in a bedroom fully dressed.

Mr Fish said: "When he woke some time later, he was naked from the waist down and his uncle was lying next to him.

"He didn't know what had happened, but, knowing his uncle's background, feared the worst."

Hindle attacked his uncle with his fists.

No weapon was involved and neither he nor Mr Rushton's flatmate realised the injuries were so serious.

Bernard Lever, prosecuting, said Mr Rushton and his platonic flatmate had been drinking before Hindle arrived.

The friend said he woke and heard Hindle shouting hysterically.

Hindle twice ran into the bedroom, sat astride Mr Rushton and repeatedly punched him in the face.

The flatmate twice dragged him away and disarmed him when he smashed a whisky bottle.

Hindle had brandished the neck of battle and shouted "I swear I'll kill you" before leaving.

Paramedics found Mr Rushton in a large pool of blood and "close to death".

He underwent an emergency operation but the injuries he received caused bleeding in the brain.

Hindle was arrested and found to have bruised knuckles and blood-stained clothes.