A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for killing a 40-year-old mother-of-three from Clacton.
Gym instructor Michelle Cooper suffered fatal head injuries during an incident in Beach Way, in Jaywick, on April 23, 2021.
Four people have been given prison sentences for the incident, including 32-year-old Bobby Nethercott, of Jaywick, who was found guilty of manslaughter and two counts of ABH last month.
He has now been sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court to eight years in prison.
Ms Cooper was part of a group involving Nethercott who had gone for drinks at The Never Say Die Public House in Broadway, Jaywick, on the night of the incident last year.
She was later attacked by Nethercott and was treated at the scene for a serious head injury.
However, she died of her injuries in hospital on Sunday, April 25.
After Nethercott's conviction last month, Ms Cooper's mother said: "We will always remember Michelle as the happy, energetic and optimistic girl she was.
"Before her tragic death, Michelle had so much to look forward to. She enjoyed working at the local pub and teaching exercise classes: a fitness fanatic who loved sharing her passion for exercise with others.
"Michelle was a big part of the local community and her death has been far-reaching. She was loved and is missed by so many."
The two other men involved in the attack, Charlie Whittaker, 23, and Jordan Stanley, 20, were each sentenced to one year in prison for multiple counts of actual bodily harm.
A woman who was also involved, Demi Cole, 21, was given six months after she pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm.
Judge Lynch, presiding, told Nethercott: “For the last several weeks, we have been dealing with your behaviour where a much-loved woman lost her life unnecessarily.
“No one can possibly understand the pain that Michelle Cooper’s death has had on her family.
“This was pointless and stupid violence.”
Speaking at the time of the defendants’ convictions, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe said: “I know the verdict is little consolation for the loss of a beloved mother, daughter, aunt and friend, and nothing can bring Michelle back.
"More than anything, our thoughts are with Michelle’s family."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here