SHANE Holmes, who punched his mate Chad Hadden once in the head outside a Newcastle pub, causing Mr Hadden to fall back and suffer injuries that ultimately claimed his life, has been jailed for a maximum of five years and nine months.
Holmes, Mr Hadden's old school mate, was in February found not guilty of murder after a retrial in Newcastle Supreme Court.
Holmes, 47, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, acknowledging that the punch that knocked Mr Hadden to the ground ultimately caused his death, but denied he intended to really seriously injure his mate.
The pair were drinking in the outdoor area of the hotel on the afternoon of January 14, 2018, when they started arguing over a missing tobacco pouch and had to be separated by security.
They were both kicked out and sent in opposite directions, but came together again on the street where Holmes said Mr Hadden threatened him and "nearly poked his eye out" and Holmes punched him once, causing him to "hit the deck" and suffer serious head injuries.
Holmes, according to witnesses, then stood over Mr Hadden and punched him repeatedly in the head.
One witness claimed he heard Holmes say: "you dog ass c---". Holmes has repeatedly claimed Mr Hadden was conscious on the ground and he only slapped him on the face.
On Friday, Holmes was jailed for a maximum of five years and nine months, with a non-parole period of four years and three months.
