Man denies murder following death of pensioner Joao Costa in Boston

A BOSTON man who killed a 72-year-old pensioner with a single blow has been jailed for three years at Lincoln Crown Court after admitting manslaughter.

Russell Read struck Joao Costa a blow of "moderate force" which caused his head to jerk back leading to bleeding on the brain.

Mr Costa , who lived in Porcher Way, Boston, fell to the ground but was able to get up before collapsing. He died two days later in hospital.

Adrienne Lucking, prosecuting, said the incident took place in Boston Bus Station in the early hours of May 11 after both men had earlier been in the Sambuca Brazil bar in the town.

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She said it was not possibly to say whether the fatal blow was struck with a fist or the flat of Read's hand.

After Mr Costa fell to the ground a woman who was with Read flagged down a passing police car.

Read, who estimated he had drunk 14 pints, was subsequently arrested on Station Street but fell asleep after being placed in the back of a police vehicle.

Russell Read, 38, of Castle Street, Boston, denied the murder of Joao Costa but admitted his manslaughter.

Alison Summers, defending, said he has since shown genuine remorse.

She said: "He is genuinely sorry for the loss of life of Mr Costa.

"It was that such an episode of drunken violence is out of character for him. This was without premeditation. It was spontaneous."

Judge Michael Heath said it was not clear what led up to the incident but both men and an eye witness had been drinking.