A HAMPSHIRE family have spoken of their struggle to come to terms with the brutal death of their son.

Kevin Wyeth's grieving family say their lives will never be the same again and that his loss was only made worse by the fact his injuries were so severe that they didn't have a chance to say goodbye.

Speaking after Damon Wright was found guilty of the manslaughter of the dad-of-three, Kevin's mum Linda said: “Kevin was in the prime of his life and had so much to look forward to.

“He was a well known face in Woolston, having been born in Wharncliffe Road. Unfortunately he lost his life in that same place.

“Kevin leaves behind a sister and two brothers who are still struggling to cope with his loss. We can learn to accept a death due to illness or old age but this will have an everlasting effect on all of us.

“My son was also a devoted dad to three beautiful boys. He was besotted with his children and lived for them. Their lives have been changed forever.

“Kevin's injuries were so severe that we were unable to see him and say goodbye to our loved one.”

His dad, also called Kevin, added: “Kevin was a typical lad and was a good son.

“His death and the way he died has affected me and his brothers greatly. We are all struggling to deal with our grief.

“I feel a lot of anger about what has happened. The way Kevin died was brutal and Wright has taken my son away. I never had a chance to say goodbye. My life and my sons' lives will never be the same again.”

The dignity of his family throughout the trial has been praised by Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd.

Daily Echo:

Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd

She said: “I would like to pay tribute to Kevin's family who have acted with incredible dignity during the trial, which I know must have been a terrible further ordeal.”

She added: “During the trial Damon Wright admitted that he had inflicted the injuries that resulted in Kevin's death and the jury did not accept that the actions of Wright were justified in self-defence.

“We will never know whether earlier medical intervention could have saved Kevin's life, but Damon Wright's actions that night have left Kevin's family devastated, a loss which has really been felt amongst the wider local community."

Wright has been remanded in custody until he is sentenced on April 25.