A FAMILY whose lives were shattered following the death of a young father could be given a New Year boost in their quest for a more severe punishment.

Paul Simpson, 33, from Darlington, died after he was punched in the street and fell, hitting his head on a kerb.

His family have learnt that a hearing in the Court of Appeal against the sentence handed out to his attacker, Alfred Welch, is to be heard next month.

Welch was jailed for three years in July at Teesside Crown Court after admitting manslaughter. He denied murder.

The maximum tariff for manslaughter is life and can include a recommendation from the judge on the minimum sentence to be served.

Mr Simpson's family say the sentence given to Welch is too lenient as he could be released from jail in October next year.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "We thought the sentence was unduly lenient as did the family, so we referred it to the Attorney General for a decision."

The Attorney General granted leave to appeal in August and it is understood that the case has been given a high priority with Welch's sentence running out.

Three Lord Justices of Appeal will review the remarks made by the trial judge and the defence and prosecution barristers, as well as the length of the sentence.

It could be changed to any other within the court's power, if adequate grounds are found.

But the judges could also decide that the sentence was sufficient and leave it as it is.

Last night, Mr Simpson's sister, Anne Wilson, said: "It is very hard for us at the moment particularly at this time of year. We felt it was a ridiculous sentence, which was not enough."

Mr Simpson, a mature student who had two young daughters, was the victim of a random late-night attack.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Welch had been cruising the streets in a car and calling passers-by over so he could punch them as part of a drunken game.