Teenager jailed for killing friend

A teenager who killed his best friend in a drunken Valentine's Day argument has been jailed for six-and-a-half years.

Worcester Crown Court heard how 19-year-old Paul Reece kicked and punched Carl Jones on 14 February this year after taking offence at something he said.

The 25-year-old, who had proposed to his girlfriend only a few hours before, was found lying in the street near the Summerhouse public house in Leegomery, but never regained consciousness.

Reece, from Chockley's Meadow, Leegomery, Telford denied murdering Mr Jones, but admitted manslaughter, a plea that was accepted by the prosecution.

The court heard the 19-year-old had previous convictions for racially aggravated assault and for threatening to firebomb a house.

Reece's barrister said his client was consumed with remorse and would have to live with the fact he had killed his best friend.