A MUM whose son was killed by a single punch outside a bar says her New Year is 'filled with dread' after seeing her son's killer jailed.

David Brown was felled by a punch from John Edward Lowe on August 9 outside Chevy's on Manchester Road.

Lowe, aged 46, of Marsh House Lane, confronted 33-year-old Mr Brown after hearing how his victim had tried to buy £20 worth of meat from a butcher and put it on Lowe's account.

He suffered a fractured skull after his head hit the pavement and died two days later in The Walton Centre when his life support machine was turned off.

Chester Crown Court heard how Mr Brown's death had left his family devastated.

Simon Parry, prosecuting, read out the victim impact statement from Margaret Arthur.

She said: "I cannot bear the pain. No one can prepare for the loss of a child.

"For me this year Christmas is cancelled. The New Year is filled with dread.

"The defendant will get to enjoy more Christmases and David will not have any more."

CCTV footage of the assault showed Lowe, who worked as a hod carrier, talking to Mr Brown, who was passing the bar at 4.30pm.

He questioned him about the meat, the victim appeared to smirk and reportedly said he would 'fill Lowe in'.

Lowe then struck with a right-handed punch, followed with his left fist which did not make contact and as one of Mr Brown's friends tried to confront Lowe he swung his leg.

Mr Brown was left unmoved on the floor as Lowe walked back inside the bar and got himself a drink.

Recorder for Chester Elgin Edwards said: "He swaggers into the pub, not concerned, and buys a pint of beer then goes around and is engaging in conversation as if nothing has happened."

Recorder Edwards added Lowe then bragged about what he had done to another man.

The court heard on Monday how Lowe had a previous ABH sentence of eight-months in prison for a similar assault in 2005 which left his victim with a broken nose from a single punch.

Phillip Tully, defending, said Lowe was remorseful for what he had done and said he would have to live with his actions for the rest of his life.

Lowe was jailed for four years for manslaughter.

Speaking after the sentencing DI Steve Jones, from Cheshire Police′s Major Investigation Team, said: "David Brown and John Lowe were known to each other and came from the same close knit community where they both have family ties.

"On the afternoon in question they had a chance meeting and the conflict which resulted in David′s tragic death was initiated by Lowe.

"The dispute Lowe had with David Brown was trivial in nature and the attack upon him was unprovoked by David who had no opportunity to defend himself.

"David had his whole life ahead of him.

"He was well-known and liked within the community − this was evident at his funeral, which was attended by a large number of people.

"His family have been left without a son, brother and father. I hope that Lowe′s time in prison will allow him to consider the consequences of his actions on that night.

"David′s family were at his bedside when he died and have been left severely traumatised by his death. David′s mum has described an ‘unbearable pain in her heart′ following the death of her son.

"Our thoughts remain with them. I know they are struggling to come to terms with what has happened and I hope that the successful conclusion of this case will help to bring about a degree of closure for David′s family - and for all those who knew him and have been affected by his death.

"Violent crime of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone who resorts to violence will end up paying the price for their actions."

Rachael Barber, Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey-Cheshire, said: "This is a tragic case where an argument over something trivial and a single punch has led to a man′s death.

"After hitting David Brown with a deadly blow and leaving him apparently unconscious on the ground, Lowe went back into the bar and calmly finished his drink.

"He showed no concern for the welfare of Mr Brown although the two men knew each other well.

"He gave no thought to the consequences of his actions and Mr Brown′s family are now left to come to terms with their loss."