MARTIN GREENSMITH RECEIVES SIX-YEAR SENTENCE FOR KILLING FATHER

Judge Jonathan Carroll jailed Martin Greensmith for six years after he killed his father, Steven Shevels, during a Christmas Eve encounter at the Queen's Head in Willington, County Durham. Teesside Crown Court heard that Greensmith had never met Shevels before that evening. Greensmith knew his father's name, and his mother identified Shevels when the family arrived at the pub. She told Greensmith: “He's your father.” The encounter ended in the beer garden, where Shevels fell after Greensmith pushed him.

Greensmith told jurors he did not want to speak to Shevels and went outside to get away from him. The court heard that staff had asked Shevels to leave the pub before he entered the beer garden a few minutes later. Greensmith said Shevels put out an arm to block his path when he tried to walk past. After the pair exchanged a few words, Greensmith told him: “You're my dad, but I don't want to know you.” Greensmith said Shevels moved closer and that he pushed him “gently” to create space.

Greensmith said he was stunned when Shevels fell and joined others who tried to help him. Greensmith's mother also tried to help, and paramedics attended the scene. Paramedics pronounced Shevels dead there about an hour later. During sentencing, Carroll cited Greensmith's earlier conviction for being drunk and disorderly. The judge said that conviction showed Greensmith's “capacity for self control diminishes in drink”.