A MAN has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment for punching and killing a father of six in a pub.

Anthony Gardener, 62, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Dean Haverley, 48, who was struck at The George Inn pub in Burnham High Street on August 13 last year.

Gardener, of Burlington Road, Burnham, was sentenced to eight years in jail at Reading Crown Court this afternoon, Wednesday, October 11. He had earlier today been found guilty by the jury.

Police were called to The George Inn public house in High Street at 12.01am on August 13 to a report of a man having been assaulted inside the pub.

Mr Haverley was treated at the scene but later died in hospital.

Senior investigating officer, Det Insp Stuart Blaik of the Major Crime Unit, said: "The jury has concluded today that the single punch thrown by Anthony Gardener was not in self-defence as he claimed but was an unlawful act which caused the death of Dean Haverley.

"This incident was captured on good quality CCTV from within the George Inn. The CCTV clearly shows that this was not an act of self-defence but an act of cowardly violence which has resulted in Dean’s death.

"Understandably this incident has had a profound effect on Dean’s family but they have conducted themselves in a most dignified way throughout an incredibly difficult period of their lives. Dean’s death has left his six children and two stepsons without their father. Dean also leaves behind his long-term partner. All of his family are finding it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer by their side."

He added: "This incident is a timely reminder that a single punch can kill and have devastating effects on all those involved. There was absolutely no need for Gardener to punch Dean that night in August last year so I am satisfied that justice has been done."

The family of Mr Haverley issued a statement after the sentencing, which said: "With Dean’s untimely and unnecessary demise came a dark cloud that cannot ever be lifted.

"He was always the uplifting spirit that guided us all through life.

"Dean was a genuinely lovely husband, a loving father, brother, son, and friend to everyone. He will be missed by all.

"His memory will always live on in his children, and he will never ever be forgotten.

"We are blessed to have had him in our lives, no one will understand the devastation that his passing leaves behind."