A thug who killed a father with fatal punches in front of his family has been jailed.

Daniel Ballard, 31, of of Lincoln Close, Southend has been jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of Philip Mersh in The Broadway Leigh last Halloween.

Basildon Crown Court heard this afternoon how Ballard punched Mr Mersh twice who was knocked out and fell face down onto the pavement in the attack Judge Ian Graham said Ballard used two significant force and showed an intention to cause just short of GBH.

Read more >>> 'Our world is shattered' - Family's heartbreaking tribute to 'amazing daddy' who died after attack

The court heard doctors recorded Mr Mersh died of complications of head injuries caused by an altercation.

His grieving partner Sarah Wilson read out an emotional statement to the court where she said the lives of herself and her twin boys will never be the same.

Philip Mersh, 43, was assaulted while out trick or treating with his family in Leigh Broadway on Halloween last year.

He was taken to hospital but, sadly, he died two days later.