A MAN has been jailed for six years for the manslaughter of Coventry-based web designer Robert Bavington in an attack outside a bar.
Vijay James Masih, 31, of Brook Road, Willenhall, West Midlands, was found guilty by a jury at Warwick Crown Court today.
He had thrown a single punch at Mr Bavington outside Moo Bar, Russell Street in Leamington at around 1.20am on a Sunday night in April last year.
Mr Bavington, aged 28 from Rugby, whose business was based at Fargo Village in Far Gosford Street, Coventry city centre, fell to the ground hitting his head.
He was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Masih denied the charge but was found guilty by unanimous verdict today (Wednesday) following a week long trial.
The court had heard the two men, who did not previously know each other, visited the Moo bar that night with friends and aquaitances who got into an argument earlier in the evening.
Detective Chief Inspector Liam Barry of Warwickshire Police, said: “Robert Bavington was a young man of fine character with his life very much ahead of him.
“His death was not the result of an unfortunate event such as a car accident or life-long illness but because of a senseless act of one individual with no real meaning or justification. Robert had done nothing wrong.
“His loss in such tragic circumstances has caused untold misery to his family and friends with many lives turned upside down.
“The sentence handed to the defendant will not bring Robert back or take away the trauma, pain and suffering caused but I hope they will be able to take comfort from the fact Masih will be behind bars and will not be able to cause harm to another family.
“One fact that was never disputed in this case was that Masih had punched Robert, however the challenge for our investigation was that there was no motive.
“Robert’s death serves to remind us that one punch can have devastating consequences and ultimately – as in this case – can kill.
“I’d urge anyone on a night out to know their limits and do everything they can to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening is had without it ending in tragedy.”
