Former British Army Sergeant Major and police officer Paul Ainscough, 57, died from internal injuries after an argument with his friend Liam Slack, 34, in a pub beer garden. The altercation began when Slack, who had finished his own chicken wings, grabbed at Mr. Ainscough's food. Slack then threw Mr. Ainscough's rucksack and pushed him forcefully, causing him to fall backward and strike a stone step.
Following the incident, Mr. Ainscough, who was reportedly drunk, told Slack he "couldn't hold his beer" and would no longer lend him money. Slack admitted to pushing his friend when leaving the pub. The next day, Mr. Ainscough experienced severe abdominal pain and was found unresponsive by his partner. An ambulance was called, but he was pronounced dead by emergency services. A post-mortem revealed he had three broken ribs and died from internal bleeding.
Liam Slack pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to four years and two months in prison. The judge acknowledged Slack's immediate remorse and stated the attack was not premeditated, but noted that his intoxication was an aggravating factor. Mr. Ainscough was remembered by his son as a "hero" and a man who served his country with courage and honor during his 24 years in the Army.