Shaun McNeil, who killed teenager Daniel Christie with a punch on New Year’s Eve in 2013, has just been found guilty of manslaughter, not murder.
27-year-old McNeil today pleaded guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Christie, which the Crown rejected, instead prosecuting him for murder.
The jury deliberated for over four hours before reaching their conclusion. Justice Hulme told the jury that the key issue was McNeil’s intent when he punched Mr Christie in the face.
Mr Christie fractured his skull on the concrete when he fell. Eleven days in a coma later, his family switched off life support.
When the verdict was handed down, McNeil cried with relief. He’ll be sentenced on August 21.
