A man who caused the death of a popular Leeds father-of-two has been jailed for manslaughter.
Nathaniel Philip left 37-year-old Robert Hiscoe with a severe brain injury after knocking him down and repeatedly punching him in the head.
The brutal attack took place outside the Butterbowl pub in Farnley in the early hours of Sunday, May 5.
Mr Hiscoe was given emergency treatment at the scene by ambulance staff and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but was later pronounced dead.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team launched a murder investigation following his death.
Philip, 36, was arrested later the same day, initially on suspicion of assault, and was subsequently charged with murder.
He denied the murder charge but pleaded guilty to unlawful killing when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court on September 27, and this plea was accepted by the Crown.
Today, Monday 28 Phillip was sentenced to five years and six months.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes said: “Robert’s death in such utterly senseless circumstances has left his family absolutely devastated, and we recognise that no sentence can ever ease the pain they are continuing to feel without him in their lives.
“It is a real tragedy that shows very clearly the awful consequences that can come about when people resort to the level of violence that Philip used against him while he was defenceless on the ground.
“Although Philip will now spend time in prison, he will have the rest of his life to reflect on the lasting trauma and loss that his momentary actions have caused to Robert’s family.”
Robert was a talented singer who had previously performed at the pub where the attack took place.
He had previously used his music to raise thousands of pounds for the NHS during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Tributes are now flooding in for popular Robert.
One pal wrote on social media: “I don’t know where to begin, a talented singer, a great friend, a wonderful father, a devoted husband and one of the most loyal Leeds United fans I’ve ever met, not to mention an incredible drinking partner.
“Not many people I know will ever be loved so thoroughly as you, light up any room with your charming ways and never put anyone down, for anything.
“Thank you for bringing so much happiness and joy to so many people during lockdown and raising a shedload of money, ironically for the NHS.
“Nobody I know would ever have done that, give up night after night, week after week, of your time to keep people in good spirits, you should be knighted, not gone”
Another added: “Awful news, a pleasure to have known him and had many a pint together. RIP my friend.”
A third said: “I can’t believe it. I am in absolute shock.
“What a lovely Man, Heart of Gold, Great Singer, Robert will be missed and will never be forgotten.”
