Teenager is jailed for 30 months for manslaughter.

AN underage drinker who killed a soldier with a single punch in a nightclub was yesterday jailed for 30 months.

The victim’s parents last night condemned the sentence and said they were planning to appeal.

They also pleaded with the bosses of licensed premises to tighten-up procedures to stop under-18s gaining entry.

Scots Guardsman Andrew Gibson was enjoying a night out before returning home for Christmas when he was attacked.

The 19-year-old, based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, was due to be deployed to Afghanistan a month later.

He died in hospital six days after the attack in Escapade nightclub, in Darlington, in the early hours of December 12.

His assailant, John Flannigan, had turned 17 less than a month earlier, and was in the club, which has now closed, with friends.

Teesside Crown Court heard that there had been an altercation near the dance floor and Flannigan was struck by Mr Gibson.

Minutes later, Flannigan punched him in the back of the head as “pay-back”.

Flannigan and his friends fled, but he was recognised by door staff and pointed out to police and, after his arrest, claimed he had been hit first.

Mr Gibson died after complications from a brain injury.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said the injury was caused by him hitting his head when he fell on the floor.

Nicholas De La Poer, mitigating, told the court Flannigan was haunted by what he had done. “He understands that what he did, he can never take back,” said the barrister.

“He understands that what he did has an unquantifiable impact upon the lives of others.”

Mr De La Poer said Flannigan, of Geneva Road, Darlington, who admitted manslaughter, was hard-working and highly-spoken of.

Mr Gibson’s parents, Freddy and Linda, from Cumbernauld, Glasgow, said last night: “The sentence is definitely not enough. Andrew was a loving son who would do anything for anybody. We are so proud of him and his achievements.

“He has been robbed of his future, his hopes and dreams.

Andrew’s death has affected our lives and also those of his friends and family – we have been handed a life sentence.

“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.

“Andrew didn’t deserve to die. We have lost a truly wonderful son, and the Army has lost a committed soldier.”

Flannigan was identified after the judge approved an application by The Northern Echo for his name to be made public.