A MAN whose friend died after he slapped him during a drunken row has been ordered to sort out his drink problem.

Magistrates told Stanley Morris, 49, he must go on an alcohol treatment programme as part of his sentence for assaulting his pal Alan Arthur.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard the pair had been drinking heavily at a flat in Copenhagen Towers in International Way, Weston, on April 20 before an argument erupted over a bottle of cider.

Kelly Wickens told the court that Morris hit Mr Arthur, 56, in the face which left him with a nose bleed.

Mr Arthur was later found lying in a door way outside flats by a neighbour and an ambulance was called.

He was taken to hospital but later died.

His death sparked a murder investigation by police.

But a post-mortem examination found a brain bleed killed Mr Arthur, which was unconnected to Morris’ blow.

Roger Peach, defending Morris, said his client was “very remorseful”

over what happened to his friend and said Morris had a “substantial drink problem”.

He said Morris also suffers from schizophrenia, depression and anxiety, adding: “Drink is underlying my client’s problems.”

Morris, whose friends and family were present in the public gallery, previously pleaded guilty to assault.

Sentencing Morris to a 12-month community order, magistrate Charles Aspinell said: “Alcohol is obviously a massive issue in your life. It was over alcohol that the assault took place.

“There is no doubt that you do need to challenge yourself and come to terms with trying to deal with this.”

He sentenced Morris to undergo a six-month alcohol treatment programme and ordered him to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Speaking to the Daily Echo outside court, Morris said: “I feel remorse. I have lost a friend. People will judge me and I am sorry. I cannot say much more. I want to go home with my family and get on with my life.”