Man admits killing 'kind and gentle' dad outside pub

A man has admitted killing a "very kind and gentle" dad outside a busy Wetherspoons pub.

Marcus Carpenter, 37, died in hospital four days after he was punched outside The Picture House in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, some time between 23:30 GMT on Friday 20 February and 00:15 the following day.

Kyle O'Callaghan, 30, appeared at Newport Crown Court earlier where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

O'Callaghan will be sentenced on 15 May, when victim impact statements are expected to be read by Marcus Carpenter's family. The judge warned him he faces a "substantial" jail sentence.

The court heard O'Callaghan fled the scene after the fight, with a £10,000 Crimestoppers appeal launched for information.

Carpenter, who was left severely injured, died from his injuries four days later.

O'Callaghan was later arrested and charged with manslaughter over Carpenter's death.

Tributes were paid to "one of a kind" Carpenter who was a regular at the pub in his hometown.

Peter Donnison, defending, said: "The defendant accepts his conduct and has pleaded guilty to that."

Judge Daniel Williams said CCTV of the attack showed O'Callaghan had punched Carpenter and caused his death.

"I have seen and taken a lot of time to look at the footage," he said.

"I was surprised at the contention that there was any issue but that the defendant's punch was a more than minimal contribution to the death of Marcus Carpenter."

Donnison replied: "He accepts that."

Judge Williams told O'Callaghan: "You've pleaded guilty. The next stage is to sentence you.

"You face a substantial sentence of imprisonment."

In a tribute issued at the time of his death, Marcus's family said he was a "beloved son, partner and dad".

"Marcus was one of a kind with the kindest of hearts who would help anyone out he could," they added.

"His passing has left a massive hole in the lives of everyone close to him.

"Please give the family time to grieve at this heart breaking time."

Writing online, Carpenter's younger brother Zak said: "You will never know how loved you are. I hope you're at peace now brother."

A fundraising page has since been launched to help pay for Carpenter's funeral and friend Lisa Gunter said: "Marcus was one of a kind, he knew how to light up the room the moment he entered it.

"He was kind, caring, funny and would do anything for anyone."

Another woman wrote that he was "such a funny person and also very kind and I always knew that if even I needed help in the pub you'd be first one there".