A POSTER competition to promote a campaign to prevent ‘one punch’ deaths has been launched by the family of one of the region’s victims.

Kristian Thompson should have been celebrating his 23rd birthday today (Thursday, April 23) but instead his mother was raising awareness of what happened to him on a night out in County Durham.

The keen footballer and cricketer was 18 when he was attacked by Mark Berry at K2 nightclub in Consett on September 4, 2010.

Mr Thompson, of Burnopfield, fell and hit his head and went into a coma.

He came out of it week later suffering from severe brain injuries and never fully recovered.

The former Tanfield School and Durham Sixth Form pupil died in a treatment centre in Northampton ten months later.

Berry, of Leadgate, Consett, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.

He was free two months before Mr Thompson died

Mr Thompson’s mother Maxine today (Thursday, April 23) announced details of a poster campaign at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street to promote the One Punch North-East initiative, which is being launched on June 18.

Mrs Thompson said: “The incidents are normally alcohol related and people are being punched and assaulted all of the time.

“But it is time people realised the implement on the end of your arm is a weapon, the same as a knife, and should not be used.

“The posters are going to go everywhere and I would urge everyone to go give it a go.”

Mrs Thompson, who now lives in Whitburn, South Tyneside, is also campaigning for a fresh inquest into her son’s death after an open verdict was recorded in 2012.

She is also urging people to walk away from potentially violent incidents to avoid the devastating consequences.

Mr Thompson said: “Stop, step back, and walk away. Think about it. If that lad had thought about it before he hit my son, Kristian would be here now.

“There was no reason for it. The effect has been devastating. It changes lives and it is horrific.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Manslaughter is an extremely serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

"Sentencing is a matter for independent judges, who make their decisions based on the facts of the case they are hearing."

The theme of the poster competition is One Punch Can Kill and it is open to everyone.

Two tickets to the England v New Zealand cricket international, passes to Beamish Museum and a signed Sunderland Strip, are being offered as a prizes.

The closing date is May 29 and all entries should be submitted to Police Headquarters, Partnerships Department, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TT or via email: HQ.PartnershipsOffice@durham.pnn.police.uk