Doorman convicted of manslaughter following fatal blow outside pub.

A doorman who killed a man with one punch after asking him to leave a pub has been convicted of manslaughter, Luton Crown Court heard this week.

Wilfred Fantie, 44, struck Aaron Bateman, 28, following an altercation outside a pub in February last year. 

During a two-week trial at Luton Crown Court, jurors heard how Mr Bateman had visited the pub with his father and friends after watching a local football match. They had been asked to leave the pub by doorman Fantie and a short while afterwards an exchange was had between Fantie and Mr Bateman.

CCTV footage played during the trial showed Fantie pursuing Mr Bateman as he walked away from the pub, before landing a powerful blow to Mr Bateman's head.

Mr Bateman fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement causing a 'traumatic brain injury'. He was taken to hospital but died two days later.

Fantie, who was doorman at the Wheatsheaf in Dunstable, denied manslaughter but was convicted following the trial.

Detective Inspector Mark Butler, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "This is a very sad incident with devastating outcomes for the families of both Mr Bateman and the defendant, who now faces time behind bars.

"There can never be an excuse for violence and this case is a terrible reminder of the potential consequences. One decision can result in an unimaginable tragedy.

"It remains the duty and responsibility of anybody who works as door staff to exercise diligence and respect and maintain a safe and secure environment for all."

Fantie will be sentenced on 15 March at Luton Crown Court.