“He didn’t set out that evening to hurt his best friend and it’s such a tragedy it ended this way”

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A man who killed his best friend with a single punch has been jailed for five years and three months for manslaughter.

Jay Webster, 28, of Caerphilly Road, Senghenydd, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday June 6.

It came following the death of 27-year-old Benjamin Lloyd, who was found unresponsive at an address on Cefn Ilan Road, Abertridwr, at around 9.45am on Sunday April 2.

The previous evening, on White Street, near Caerphilly library, Webster threw a single punch at Mr Lloyd, who had hit him first.

Following Webster’s sentencing, Mr Lloyd’s family said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words and gestures.

“It has been overwhelming to physically see just how much Ben was loved and appreciated by everyone who knew him and even by people that hadn’t met him but only knew of him.”

The family’s statement continued: “Ben’s death has left an unfillable void in our lives and a pain that will never ease, but we also understand the pain that Jay and his family must also be feeling.

“He didn’t set out that evening to hurt his best friend and it’s such a tragedy it ended this way.

“Ben loved Jay and they were as thick as thieves growing up.

“Although we are heartbroken that we have lost such an amazing man, we also know that Ben wouldn’t want any malice or ill-feeling over such tragic incident.”

Detective Superintendent Nick Wilkie, of Gwent Police, described it as a “tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life”.

He said: “The circumstances of Ben’s death should act as a warning to others – just one punch can ruin the lives of both the victim and the person who throws the punch. In a split second a person can become a killer or be killed.

“This is a reminder – if you face confrontation while out, please remember the sensible thing is to turn around and walk away.”

DS Wilkie thanked Caerphilly residents for their “co-operation, support and understanding during this investigation”.

He added: “Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to the friends and family who have had to come to terms with Benjamin’s death and have shown great strength throughout this difficult process.

“I know today’s sentencing will never bring Ben back, however I hope this outcome brings some consolation and closure for them.”