A BUSINESSMAN who killed a man with a single punch was today starting a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Bryn Edwards, 39, of Pond Road, Sarisbury Green, dealt Paul Whiteside, 37, pictured left, the fatal blow outside the Abshot Hotel and Country Club in Titchfield Common, near Fareham, last year, Winchester Crown Court was told today.

Former sailor Mr Whiteside, a lorry driver from Marchwood, suffered a fractured skull and brain damage in the fight with Edwards, an amateur boxer.

Sentencing, the judge, Mr Justice Forbes, said: "The crime is a serious one. In my view, it's so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified."

He added: "This sentence can't be a measure of the tragic consequences of your actions and the appalling cost which has been paid and which will continue to be paid by those who loved Mr Whiteside and have to bear his loss.

"Nothing I can say and do will ever undo the damage you have done to them."

But Mr Whiteside's parents, from Thornhill, Southampton, reacted angrily to the sentence.

Father Keith, 69, said: "I'm disgusted. I don't think justice has been done. We can't change the law but I think it should have been more than that.

"I think Bryn Edwards went out with the intention of causing GBH to someone. Nobody who has boxing skills should ever take them out socially to demonstrate how adept they are."

Mother Iris, 68, said: "The sentence is very light. I'm extremely disappointed."

Edwards, pictured above, who runs a double-glazing business, showed no emotion as he was led away to begin his sentence. He had denied manslaughter.

Earlier, Nigel Pascoe, QC, defending, said: "This defendant is utterly remorseful. He has real concern for the family affected by what he did.

"We are dealing with the terrible unanticipated consequences of a single blow."