Newtown man sentenced over attack on friend who died

A Mid Wales man who attacked a friend who then died has been given a two-year community sentence.

A tribute was read at Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday to Thomas Morgan, 63, of Newtown, whose death was caused by a brain haemorrhage which was unrelated to the assault by his friend.

Christopher Joseph Cluskey, 57, of Maesyrhandir, Newtown, had been cleared by a jury of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

But he admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to a two-year community and supervision order yesterday.

Judge Niclas Parry said normally the sentence would be 18 months, but Cluskey had spent months in jail awaiting trial.

The judge said he took into account Cluskey's "health problems and vulnerability".

Mr Simon Mills, prosecuting, said: "The prosecution have never sought to blame Mr Morgan's death at the defendant's door."

He read "a moving statement" by a brother about Mr Morgan who had lived at Newtown all his life, working in a shop then at Laura Ashley's where he'd been a highly respected and loyal member of staff.

He played football for local teams, was interested in bowling and supported Manchester United.

Mr Morgan was smartly dressed and had a "wicked sense of humour", the court heard.

Mr Geraint Jones, for Cluskey, said that his client had been shocked by the death of his friend and he had always accepted that his behaviour had left a lot to be desired.

Judge Parry told Cluskey it had been a nasty, premeditated and wholly unprovoked attack in which four ribs had been broken.

During the trial at Mold Crown Court last month, it was stated that the assault took place on January 9 or a day very close to it.

Mr Morgan was found dead in his bed by the defendant at his home in Robin Square, Newtown.