THE MAN accused of killing his brother with a broken beer glass has walked free from court after his acquittal for murder and manslaughter charges.

Tearful Paul Selmes, 24, left the dock at Winchester Crown Court when the jury reached its unanimous verdicts.

Members of his family and friends wept in the public gallery as the jury foreman announced their decision after five-and-half -hours' deliberation.

The eight-day trial heard that Mr Selmes had allegedly cut his older brother Adrian's throat with a glass in a fight after celebrating his 29th birthday in October 1999.

Adrian, of Crowsport, Hamble, died almost instantly from shock and haemorrhage when the artery in his throat was cut, the trial heard.

Outside court, Mr Selmes, of Dibles Road, Warsash, said: "Last year I have been through hell. It has been frustrating, I haven't been able to grieve properly. I want to now.

"Adrian was a bloody good bloke except when drinking. Apart from that, he was my best mate. I know things have been said about him. I miss him.

"I don't know what I will do tonight. Tomorrow I will be baby-sitting for my brother's kids. I have always looked after them."

Then he was engulfed by members of his family including his father Stephen Selmes.

The trial heard that the brothers, both boat builders and the best of friends, had been celebrating Adrian's birthday with friends and had returned home.

Adrian had got angry and headbutted his brother. He held him by his arms and prepared to butt him again, the court heard.

The trial hinged on what happened next. The prosecutors said Paul then smashed a pint glass on the side of his brother's face and then jabbed the broken glass into his neck.

The defendant said, and the jury accepted, that he acted in self-defence and the death was an accident.

He said he pushed his brother away. He had not been aware that he held the glass in his hands until he heard the sound of it breaking and saw the blood.

DC Simon Martin, of Park Gate CID, said: "This is a very unusual case. Paul is undoubtedly a very nice lad. Unfortunately the tragedy of that evening has devastated the family.

"I have sympathy for the whole family. I wish them all well and that they can start rebuilding their lives.''

And the vicar who befriended the Selmes' family in its darkest hour has spoken of how he helped Paul with the violent death of his brother.

The Rev Andrew Norris, Vicar of St Mary's Church in Hook with Warsash Parish, said he helped Paul cope with the subsequent trial and even gave evidence.

After the case Mr Norris said: "I only got to know Paul and his parents after the tragic incident a year ago. It was the worst thing that could happen to a family and could have torn them apart.

"Paul's parents have become committed members of the church community, which has given them strength.

"Paul is very generous in spirit. He always puts himself second to others. After his brother died he was thinking of Adrian's two children and the affect on them and their mother Joy. That was typical of him.

"Now the trial is over he and his parents are hoping to start to build their life and careers all over again.''