THE family of Matthew Bion say his tragic killing will “forever bring them pain”.

The comments came after Dennie Griffiths, 28, was today sentenced to seven years in prison for the manslaughter of Mr Bion.

Mr Bion suffered fatal head injuries after he was punched by Griffiths during an incident at Reids Bar in Billericay back in August 2019.

Echo crime reporter Matthew Critchell on sentencing of Dennie Griffiths and Jade Chambers

Jade Chambers, 24 and of Hermitage Drive, also received a 12-month jail term, suspended for 12 months for her role in assisting Griffiths.

Following the pair’s convictions, Mr Bion’s family said in a brief statement: "Matthew was a peaceful, gentle and caring man - it will forever bring his family and friends such pain that his life was taken through such reckless and unnecessary violence.”

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Speaking after sentencing today, Det Chief Insp Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, echoed the impact Mr Bion’s killing will have on his loved ones.

He said: “Matthew Bion was enjoying a night out with friends when he was needlessly assaulted, sustaining a serious head injury that ultimately cost him his life. He was a completely innocent party.

“The actions of Dennie Griffiths will have a lifelong impact on Matthew’s family, his partner, children and all those who witnessed what happened that night.

“My thoughts are with his family.”