A man who killed a 79-year-old pensioner has been jailed for four years.

Gary Anderson, 49, pleaded guilty in December to the manslaughter of 79-year-old Northumberland man Roy Clayton.

At 9.40am on December 10 2021, police attended an address on Woodhead Road, West Wylam following a report of a disturbance.

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Officers found Mr Clayton had sustained a serious neck injury consistent with having been assaulted. He died in hospital four days later.

At Newcastle Crown Court today (February 20), the Recorder of Newcastle Judge Paul Sloan QC sentenced Anderson to four years behind bars.

In a statement, Mr Clayton's family said: "We will never get to hug our dad again, or to celebrate birthdays. 

"He will never meet his great grandchildren and they will not meet him."

Detective Chief Inspector David Johnson, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is a devastating outcome for Roy’s family and the last 14 months have been incredibly difficult for them.

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"No outcome today could have turned back the clock and taken away the pain they continue to feel.

"I would like to thank them for their support throughout this case, and hope knowing that the person responsible for Roy’s death has been convicted can offer a small degree of comfort.

"There is never any excuse for violence and this is a stark reminder as to the potential consequences when people decide to act in this way.

"As a force, we will continue to thoroughly investigate incidents of this kind and do everything we can to ensure effective justice is served."

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