Stafford man pleads guilty to manslaughter

27/11/2009

Today, at Stafford Crown Court Arron Smirthwaite, pleaded guilty to the Manslaughter of Mark Sandham following an incident on the evening of the 3/10/2009 at the Ox Leathers Public House, Cape Avenue, Stafford.

Speaking after todays hearing Claire Wetton, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS staffordshire said:

"This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a young mans life. We believe that the guilty plea to manslaughter properly reflects the events of that night and the ultimately dreadful consequences for the victim, Mark Sandham.  In the end, we fully recognise that any sentence passed in these circumstances cannot begin to reflect the loss of Mark, and the effect this has had upon his family and friends.

We would like to express our sincere condolence to all of Marks family and friends"