Stephan Ward convicted of Manslaughter

11/09/2009

Today, at Stafford Crown Court, Stephan Ward was convicted of the Manslaughter of Sam Byrne following an incident in the early hours of 1 January 2009.

Speaking after todays verdict Heath Westerman, Crown Advocate with Staffordshire Crown Prosecution Service said:

"The reckless actions of Mr Ward have taken a young mans life in his prime Sam Byrne. The family of Sam have been devastated by the loss.

Mr Ward threw a large masonry brick and although not the intended target during this incident, Sam Byrne suffered fatal injuries as a result of being hit by it unconscious and falling on to the road.

No conviction or sentence can compensate for such a senseless loss of life, which is made even more acute as the two were friends.

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Sams family and friends"