Michael Pearson jailed for seven-and-a-half years for killing Scott Akester with one punch
KILLER: Michael Pearson was found guilty of the manslaughter of his friend Scott Akester
By Rick Lyon
A man who killed his friend with a single punch to the face following a drunken argument outside a Hull pub has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.
Michael Pearson, 30, of Saltshouse Road, east Hull, was charged with the murder of Scott Akester two days after the incident on Saturday, November 19 last year.
He was found guilty of manslaughter in May following a three-week trial, and today returned to Hull Crown Court to be sentenced.
Pearson and Scott had been out drinking with other friends in north Hull when they ventured to the Grandale pub, on Sutton Park.
The pair became involved in a minor altercation outside, which was quickly defused.
Around 20 minutes later, they started walking home with friends, in the hope of catching a taxi on the way.
Walking ahead of Scott, Pearson then turned back and punched him the face, causing Scott to fall backwards and hit his head on the floor.
The emergency services were deployed and CPR was carried out on Scott in a bid to save his life. However, he died in hospital from his injuries later that day.
‘DEVOTED DAD’: Victim Scott Akester
In a statement, Scott’s family said: “We would like to thank Humberside Police for their help throughout the investigation, in particular the officer in the case, DC Mike Bradley, who has supported us over the course of the last eight months and throughout court proceedings.
“Each day is a struggle as we try to come to terms with losing Scott, the day he died is the day our lives changed forever.
“Scott was a loving son, partner and a devoted dad to his little girl. It breaks our hearts having to explain to her that her daddy has gone and isn’t coming back, all because of one man’s unforgiveable actions.
“Just getting through each day is difficult and while we can try and seek comfort in our precious memories of Scott, it doesn’t take away the pain Pearson has put our family through, having to relive the most horrific ordeal of our lives in court.
“We’re glad we have finally got justice for Scott and as a family, we’ll continue to take things one day at a time as we try to navigate our way through life without him here.”
Detective Inspector Al Curtis, who was in charge of the investigation, said: “Scott’s family have shown nothing but courage throughout what I can only imagine to be a heartbreaking and devastating time in their lives.
“Scott had his whole life ahead of him, which was taken away with an utterly needless punch.
“Whilst the outcome at court today sadly won’t bring Scott back, I really hope it provides his loved ones with some form of closure in knowing that Pearson is now being punished for his unforgiveable actions.
“Crimes like this will not be tolerated and we will always take action in a bid to deter violent crime in our communities.”