Newbury: Man Jailed After Admitting Manslaughter

4 November 2013, 15:00 | Updated: 4 November 2013, 15:07

A man has been jailed for five years for manslaughter after a fight in Newbury in June.

42-year-old Simon Velvick, from Newtown Road, admitted the charge at Oxford Crown Court today (4/11).

Mark Campbell died at The Nightingales, Newbury, on 19 June this year after being fatally injured by Velvick following an altercation. The court heard Velvick argued with his victim before punching him.

Velvick was arrested approximately two hours later following an area search by officers. He was charged with one count of murder on 21 June.

Velvick pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter today, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Following the sentencing, Det Ch Insp Ian Hunter, said: “This was a needless and senseless altercation that led to the tragic death of Mark Campbell. Simon Velvick has accepted responsibility for the unlawful death of Mark and has been sentenced accordingly.

"Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and I would like to pay tribute to the dignity they have demonstrated throughout these events despite the obvious distress they have suffered.”