A lout who killed a "wonderful" great-grandad with a single punch after being told not to ride his electric bike on the pavement has been jailed.
Nathan Pilling, 24, hit Michael Dawson, 78, on August 24 last year following a 'brief exchange' of words - causing him to fall and hit his head.
Michael, who had spent his night singing karaoke in a pub, suffered a fractured skull and bleed on the brain before dying from his injuries just under two weeks later.
Police nabbed the cowardly Pilling on the same evening after he fled the scene while being courageously pursued by members of the public. And during his interview, he refused to accept responsibility for his actions - suggesting instead that Michael had hit him and he had acted in self-defence.
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After the grandfather's death, Pilling was charged with manslaughter and on the first day of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty.
He was sentenced to five years and four months in jail at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Speaking after the hearing, a representative for Michael's family said: "He was a charismatic, kind man who always put others first. His family were left devastated by the horrifying attack. Michael would give the shirt off his back to a stranger in need, no questions asked."
"Michael was loved by his family, friends and neighbours, a keen walker, a member of several walking groups, and a keen karaoke singer travelling around with lists of songs to bring joy to people wherever he went. His family described him as an independent man who proudly didn't need much support."
"He was writing a speech as he was going to be the best man at his cousin's wedding later this year.
"He will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends. People in the community continue to be saddened by the tragic news."
Michael had been enjoying a karaoke night at The Bank pub, in Bury, Greater Manchester, leaving just before 11.50pm in high spirits but not intoxicated, according to court reports.
CCTV footage revealed him walking along the road and gesturing towards Pilling, who was on an electric bike on the opposite pavement.
Pilling then crossed the road, dismounted his bike and positioned it against a rail, standing directly in front of Michael as a confrontation ensued. During the dispute, Pilling, then aged 23, twice attempted to leave the scene. However, upon his final return, he struck Michael in the head, causing him to fall to the ground where he lay motionless.
Two men from The Bank pub rushed over, one attempting to prevent Pilling from fleeing on his bike, the other attending to Michael. Despite efforts from several bystanders, Pilling managed to escape, but was later apprehended nearby, initially lying about the incident.
Michael was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care. His brain injuries were deemed "irreversible", leading to life support being turned off on September 4 last year.
A family spokesperson stated that Michael's loved ones were heartbroken upon learning of his severe injuries and tragically never got to see him regain consciousness.
They said: "When his family were first made aware of this incident the following morning they rushed to visit him at Salford Royal. Having been told that Michael had been attacked and had a severe injury to the brain, they never saw him wake up."
"He spent a number of days in critical care kept alive by machines but sadly never recovered. His friends and family are devastated."
The court was informed that Michael worked as an engineer in South Africa, where he met his wife Poppy. He had also resided in Namibia for a period, where he was cherished by numerous family and friends.
Sadly, Poppy passed away several years ago, and Michael lived alone, within walking distance of his daughter and granddaughters, until the day he was fatally attacked.
In her sentencing notes, Judge Tina Landale told Pilling that he had the opportunity to "walk away" and that as a physically larger person, he had attacked the vulnerable Mr. Dawson.
She described his violent act as a "gross overreaction" before imposing a prison sentence.
Following the hearing, senior investigating officer Phillip Reade of Greater Manchester Police stated that the force has "zero tolerance" for violence.
He said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack which sadly took the life of a gentleman who was just enjoying a night out."
"I am extremely grateful to those members of the public who came to Michael's aid and helped to detain Pilling."
"It is very clear that Michael was a much loved family man and very popular who will be missed by so many."
"We have zero tolerance against violence and will do everything we can to make sure the instigators are taken off the streets and placed before the courts."
