Single punch killed best friend

A 20-year-old man who killed his best friend with a single punch to the face has been jailed for three-and-half years.

Lewis Clarke, 19, died when a blood vessel burst after he was punched by Blaine Daniel Kirkham at a party in Llanidloes.

Yesterday his mother Gail Morris said the death of her son had totally ruined her family's life.

In a statement released at Caernarvon Crown Court the family said: "We are here today because of a moment of stupidity, where someone did not stop to think about the consequence of their actions."

Kirkham, of Newtown, was jailed for three years after admitting the manslaughter of Mr Clarke with a further six months for admitting supplying a class A drug. Mr Clarke died on July 2 after a party at a flat in Llanidloes.

Mr Peter Grieves-Smith, prosecuting, said Kirkham had sold two ecstasy tablets to Mr Clarke, who he described as his best friend, for £10.

The next morning Kirkham shaved off Mr Clarke's eyebrow and cut a hole in his sock while he was asleep.

"Mr Clarke was grumpy and upset and told Kirkham he may as well hit him," Mr Mills said.

Kirkham punched Mr Clarke knocking him out. He died later in hospital.

Mr Simon Mills, defending, said his client accepted his punch led to Mr Clarke's death,