Michael Pearson, 30, guilty of one-punch manslaughter of Scott Akester

GUILTY: Michael Pearson

By Rick Lyon and Simon Bristow

A man who killed Scott Akester with a single punch to the face following a drunken disagreement outside a Hull pub has been found guilty of his manslaughter.

Michael Pearson, 30, of Saltshouse Road, east Hull, was charged with murder two days after the incident on Saturday, November 19, last year and remanded into custody.

Pearson has now been convicted of manslaughter after a trial at Hull Crown Court.

Known to each other, Pearson and Scott, 31, had been out drinking amongst friends in north Hull when they went to the Grandale pub on Sutton Park.

The pair became involved in a minor altercation which was quickly defused by friends.

About 20 minutes later along with other friends, they started walking home in the hope of catching a taxi.

VICTIM: Scott Akester

Walking ahead of Scott, Pearson then turned back on himself, approached Scott and punched him the face. Scott fell backwards and hit his head on the floor.

Emergency Services were deployed and began CPR in an attempt to save Scott’s life, but he died in hospital from his injuries on November 19.

Pearson is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 29.

Detective Chief Inspector Al Curtis, of Humberside Police, said: “Scott’s death was utterly needless and as a result of Pearson’s mindless actions with no regard for the consequences.

“A single punch has caused a devastating impact, resulting in a man losing his life and a family left without their loved one.

“I would like to thank Scott’s family for their patience and courage during the judicial process. Nothing can bring Scott back, but I hope they feel a sense of justice has been achieved after today’s outcome.”

He added: “Crimes like this will not be tolerated and we will always take action in a bid to deter violent crime in our communities.”