Single punch killer Jake Roberts detained indefinitely
A teenager has been detained indefinitely for killing a father-of-five after knocking him to the ground with a single punch in Wigan.
Jake Roberts, 17, of Erdington, Birmingham admitted manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court.
Roberts punched Stephen Garvey, 45, as he tried to comfort a crying teenage girl on Henry Street, Leigh, on 27 February at about 0200 GMT.
Mr Garvey hit his head as he fell to the ground and died in hospital.
Roberts of George Road, Eddington, was told he must serve a minimum of four years before being considered for parole, but could be detained indefinitely beyond that unless he is considered safe to release.
His sentence to a Young Offenders' Institute also covers a conviction for an assault in the West Midlands in October 2010.
The court heard that before the attack Mr Garvey had been to see Wigan Athletic play Manchester United at the DW Stadium and later went out in Leigh for some drinks.
An X-ray after the attack showed he had suffered several fatal fractures to his skull.
Senior Investigating Officer Andy Tattersall, of Greater Manchester Police, said after the hearing: "Stephen was a father and husband and, no doubt, when he saw this young woman looking upset wanted to make sure she was all right.
"His actions should have been commended and he certainly should not have been attacked.
"Young men coming-of-age need to realise that their bodies can be powerful weapons and can cause devastating damage like the injuries which ended Stephen Garvey's life when he hit the ground after just one punch.
"Stephen's youngest children will grow up not knowing their father and that should weigh heavily on Roberts' mind for the rest of his life."