SAM Martin from Leigh-on-Sea has today been sentenced to five years imprisonment for the unlawful killing of 39-year-old Anton Jardin.

Martin, 26, of Fairfax Drive, Westcliff, was found not guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court but had already pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Jardin on the V Festival weekend last August.

Mr Jardin, 39, from Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, became involved in an argument with another man in the early hours of August 19.

When it had almost finished Martin, who had consumed a cocktail of drinks and drugs, decided to attack the man he thought was at fault.

Martin assaulted Mr Jardin and despite emergency aid from people at the party and paramedics, he died.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Mark Hall said: “Sam Martin pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Anton Jardin. He assaulted a man at a time when he was unable to defend himself and Anton Jardin died as a direct consequence of those actions.

“Anton suffered significant facial fractures, indicating the severity of the force used against him.

“Sam Martn initially told police in interviews that it was nothing to do with him and only later admitted his guilt. He is now starting a five year sentence for manslaughter, but Anton’s family will have to spend the rest of their lives without their son and brother.

“This case, yet again, serves to illustrate the tragic circumstances which follow when someone resorts to violence.”