THE family of a student who was killed on a night out with friends have reacted with anger to the "disgusting" two-and-a-half-year sentence given to the man responsible.

Lee Walker suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries in a fall after being punched once in the face by Lloyd Smith, who admitted manslaughter.

Mr Walker - described in court as "blameless" - died in hospital two days after the unprovoked attack, which happened outside a pub in Darlington town centre in March.

Last night, his parents paid tribute to their placid and hard-working son, whose two kidneys and liver were donated and saved the lives of three other people.

But Neil and Diane Walker, who live with their 19-year-old daughter, Stacy, in the Denes area of Darlington, were scathing about Smith's sentence and the law which means he will be free in 11 months.

Mr Walker, 45, who sat with his wife and family in the public gallery at Teesside Crown Court yesterday, said: "We just wanted justice but we definitely didn't get it. We are devastated with the outcome."

His wife, also 45, said: "He has taken our only son, and now there is a space in our hearts. But he will not even serve a year."

The court heard how Smith, 29, of Corporation Road, Darlington, had seven convictions dating back to his teens - five of which were for violence and public order offences.

His barrister, Aidan Marron, said his behaviour had improved in recent years, and he had vowed never to drink again and to move away from the area to start a new life after his release.

"His remorse for this particular incident and this sad and untimely death is complete and total," said Mr Marron.

"He finds it utterly inconceivable that his actions have brought about a death. The blow was utterly unnecessary and should never have happened."

Smith had been drinking with friends on March 29, while Mr Walker, 22, on a gap year from Luton University and working in his home town, was out with his pals.

Peter Makepeace, prosecuting, said both parties were in the Barsize pub, in Skinnergate, when a dispute erupted at about 10pm.

During the incident, Smith, punched Mr Walker "with considerable force", fracturing his jaw. Mr Walker fell backwards and cracked his head on the pavement.

Smith was said to have tried to help Mr Walker after realising the extent of his injuries, and told others that he had simply pushed him gently and he fell over.

Mr Walker came round and was taken inside the pub for a glass of water, before he decided to walk home.

But at about midnight, his mother heard noises coming from the bathroom and found her son on the floor, unable to communicate properly.

An ambulance took Mr Walker to Darlington Memorial Hospital, but he was transferred to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital and put on a life support machine. It was switched off the following night after he failed to regain consciousness.