A FAMILY has condemned the sentence handed down to a teenager who pleaded guilty to killing a soldier in a nightclub attack.

Andrew Gibson died after being punched in the back the head as he enjoyed a last night out with fellow soldiers.

John Flannigan, 17 and from Geneva Road, Darlington, was jailed for two-and-a-half years this morning at Teesside Crown Court. The judge in the case allowed the naming of the defendant.

Andrew had planned to return to his family home in Scotland for Christmas before being posted to Afghanistan.

Mr Gibson, 19, and from Glasgow, was a Scots Guard based at Catterick Garrison.

He was attacked near the dance floor of Escapade, in Gladstone Street, in the early hours of December 12. He was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, by ambulance, but died six days later.

This morning his family expressed their dismay at the sentence.

In a statement, Linda and Freddy Gibson said: “Andrew was a loving son who would do anything for anybody. We are so proud of him and his achievements.

“He had so much to give and was full of the joys of life, he has been robbed of his future, his hopes and his dreams.

“We just keep wishing he would walk through the door with his cheeky grin.

“Andrew was also a dedicated soldier. His dream of going to Afghanistan in the service of his Queen and country was taken away from him.

“The sentence delivered today is definitely not enough.

“We are extremely disappointed at the length of sentence handed down and plan on appealing this through the Crown appeal process.

“Andrew’s death has affected our lives and also those of his friends and family – we have been handed a life sentence of pain, grief and ‘what ifs’.

“The person who killed Andrew may be free to live his life by the time he is the same age Andrew was when he died.

“The person who killed Andrew will have to live with what he has done for the rest of his life.

“If anything positive is to come from Andrew’s death, we hope nightclubs ensure no-one under the age of 18 is allowed entry and licensing authorities deal harshly with those who allow children on the premises.

“We also believe nightclubs should be forced to install CCTV which covers all areas so trouble can be stopped before it becomes serious.

“We would like to thank the Army, and in particular the officers and men of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, Durham Police and our friends for all the support they have given us.

“Andrew didn’t deserve to die. We have lost a truly wonderful son, and the Army has lost a committed soldier. We will never forget him.”