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A man has been jailed for eight years after a single punch resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man he was out drinking with.
Tyrone Busch, aged 42, of Withburga Lane, Dereham appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday 30 January 2025 following his conviction at the same court on Thursday 12 December 2024.
He was handed a 12 year sentence made up of eight years in custody and four years on extended licence.
It comes following the death of Michael O’Dwyer, also known as Michael Spooner, on Sunday 21 July 2024.
Police were notified of his death a few days later and were quickly able to establish that Busch had punched Mr O’Dwyer outside the Red Lion Public House in Dereham on Saturday evening, the day before he died.
As a result of the punch the victim fell backwards hitting his head on the ground where he lay for around ten minutes before getting to his feet.
He was helped home by friends, one of whom called an ambulance in the early hours of Sunday when he could not be roused. Sadly, Michael died in hospital later that day.
A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was a traumatic head injury.
Busch was found by police in a toilet cubicle at the Beeston Ploughshare Public House on Wednesday 24 July 2024 where he was arrested and subsequently charged with murder.
A manslaughter plea was accepted by the prosecution at the Crown Court hearing in December.
Michael’s parents both described how much their son mattered and was loved.
His mother told how he had been adopted at the age of six along with his two younger brothers.
He enjoyed simple pleasures, loved his work as a labourer, and was devoted to his two young sons.
He also had ambitions to become a bricklayer and provide a stable life for his children.
She said it was “beyond cruel” that his life had been taken, adding: “I know that nothing can bring Michael back, but I would like to know that the person who took his life fully understands what a terrible thing he has done, and that Michael was a kind and gentle person who was much loved and very much missed.
“He mattered very much to his family, and we will continue to miss him every day. "
Michael's father said he had been let down and treated unfairly over the years, but was kind and trusting and always willing to see the best in people.
He wanted to be the best dad in the world.
He said: “Describing the ways in which I have been impacted by Michael’s murder doesn’t seem appropriate – Michael suffered the greatest loss - he lost everything.
"He’s lost seeing his boys grow up, he’s lost all of that time with the ones he loves, he's lost his dream of working as a bricklayer with his name on the side of his van and his grown-up boys at his side.
"He should still be with us."
In her statement Michael's partner told the court how he loved Christmas and celebrating birthdays with his boys.
She described how their lives were unrecognisable following his death, adding: "It's all really traumatic. I don't think I'll ever get over this."
Superintendent Stuart Chapman who led the inquiry, said: “This was a shocking assault which came out of nowhere causing a catastrophic injury to a defenceless man.
“Michael's family and friends have suffered a terrible loss and deal with the pain of not having him in their lives every single day.
“Busch meanwhile has time in prison to reflect on his violent actions which have taken another man’s life and brought such devastation.
“When people resort to such senseless violence the consequences can be tragic and far-reaching as this case sadly shows.”