Man convicted of killing builder

James Redmile-Gordon killed building firm boss Ovidiu Pop

A man who killed a father-of-two by hitting him with a fire extinguisher after a row on Brighton seafront has been convicted of manslaughter.

James Redmile-Gordon, 30, from Charlwood, in Horley, Surrey caused severe head injuries when he hit builder Ovidiu Pop on 17 August 2008.

Mr Pop, 28, from Portslade, died more than a week later in hospital.

Redmile-Gordon was remanded in custody by Lewes Crown Court after a three-week trial to await sentencing on 19 June.

The jury found the defendant not guilty of murder.

'Cocktail of drugs'

The assault took place in Kings Road at about 0500 BST.

"Redmile-Gordon went out that night and having had a cocktail of drink and drugs got into an altercation with two men," said Det Insp Mick Jones.

"Having had the opportunity to get in his friend's car and go home, he instead chose to run towards Mr Pop with a fire extinguisher which was then used to strike him."

Mr Pop, who was from Romania, lived with his partner Kate Rybinska and their two children, both of whom were under two at the time.

He employed over 60 people in his construction company.